Rapid Response Team

Mar

2022

RAPID RESPONSE TEAM ACTION LIST FOR MAR 16, 2022

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

Solidarity Lowell Events and Actions

Sunday March 27 at 5:30pm, on Zoom.Next Solidarity Lowell General Meeting

Topic: TBD

SLCC Elections Coming Up

In April, we’ll be voting on Coordinating Committee members. Half of the seats are up for re-election/election each year. Anyone interested who has questions is welcome to contact any of the Coordinating Committee members (Amy Baranoski, Caroline Snow, Chris Offerman, Dee Halzack, Joseph Boyle, Lisa Arnold, Win Flint) or email the Committee at contact@solidaritylowell.com.

To help you decide whether you’d like to run, here is what the by-laws say about the Coordinating Committee:

3. Coordinating Committee members are invited to a two-year term or until they resign (either in person at a meeting or in the official Coordinating Committee Facebook Messenger conversation), or until they are voted out. At least ⅔ of the Coordinating Committee can agree to vote a Coordinating Committee member out. Terms will be staggered with 50% of the committee up for reelection in any given year. There are no term limits.
4. Coordinating Committee Meetings:
- 4.1 The Coordinating Committee will meet twice monthly. Decisions of the Coordinating Committee will be made by a vote of 50%+1 for motion to pass. A quorum of ⅔ of the Coordinating Committee must be present to hold a meeting.
- 4.2 Action by Consent. Any action by the Coordinating Committee may be taken without a meeting if consent is given by ⅔ of the Coordinating Committee online (by email or in the official Coordinating Committee Facebook Messenger chat or Slack). Such consent shall be treated for all purposes as a vote at a meeting
5. The responsibilities of the Coordinating Committee include:
- 5.1. Record the minutes of the Coordinating Committee meetings and distribute them in a timely fashion to the Coordinating Committee members.
- 5.2. Communicate on a regular basis with the SL membership through use of, and maintenance of, an email list and at monthly general meetings.
- 5.3. Maintain an up-to-date list of chapter members including name, address, phone number and email address as well as date of membership and meetings attended.
- 5.4. Prepare the agendas for the General Meetings, record the minutes of the meetings, and distribute the minutes to all members.
- 5.5. Conduct any voting at General Meetings.
- 5.6. Develop and maintain the appropriate social media avenues as needed.
- 5.7. Recommend, implement, and evaluate program activities, including but not limited to public forums, debates, and legislative and electoral campaigns.
- 5.8. Encourage SL members to join PM or SL committees needed to carry out the responsibilities and/or the program activities of the organization.
- 5.9 Organize tabling and the promotion of the group at local events.
6. The nominating and voting process for election of the Coordinating Committee is as follows:
- 6.1. Members may make nominations from the floor at the April meeting. Individuals who are nominated must accept or decline the nomination, or, if not in attendance, otherwise have signified their response to such a nomination.
- 6.2. The members will vote by secret ballot or online. The top vote-getters equaling the number of open seats will be elected.
- 6.3 Persons nominated for the SLCC must not currently be in or running for Lowell city office.

Assistance urgently needed for our asylum-seeker

From: Merrimack Valley Interfaith Sanctuary Network (MVISN)

Asylum-Seeker Marius now has employment, but has had issues with his employer and is struggling to pay the rent. MVISN needs to extend assistance through March. Any amount will be gratefully accepted.

Donations via:
CashApp – $gollygee17
Venmo – @owlnerd
Please put “Marius” in the notes

For more information, email marissa@solidaritylowell.com

Other Events

Climate Action Now meeting: Fixing our Broken Democracy in MA

March 21, 7:00pm – 8:30 pm
Please register here. https://tinyurl.com/325dfz4n

You are invited to a special meeting of Climate Action Now, where Erin Leahy (from Act On Mass) will discuss ways to fix the broken democracy in the MA Legislature. She will discuss organizing for change with a statewide coalition to change the culture of the legislature and elect candidates to fight for reform and truly represent our interests.

For details, see the “The MA Legislature: Democracy in Decline” study (https://tinyurl.com/yc7mhvvp) which exposes the extreme centralization of power and lack of transparency in the House, with slides here. https://tinyurl.com/5n8vdwfh

(h/t Climate Action Now, and Act on Mass; shared by Larry Pareles, CD2, Indivisible Mass, News-MAGIC team)

State House News Forum

Featuring Senate President Karen Spilka and House Speaker Ron Mariano

Wednesday, March. 23, 11 am
RSVP for link: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/3116463438107/WN_V721eH_NQc6oq4mQ8-c4CA

Beacon Hill has a full plate: Offshore wind, solar, and other climate change policies. Leftover ARPA funding and spending options. The FY 2023 budget. Tax cuts. Mental health care access. Prescription drug costs. Education priorities. The MBTA. Sports betting. Not only do legislative leaders hope to address these and several other major issues before the end of the session in late July, but important political activity will continue into the fall and the November elections.

For insight on the road ahead, please join our State House News Forum featuring Senate President Karen Spilka and House Speaker Ron Mariano on March 23 at 11 a.m. In a special virtual side-by-side discussion with the News Service’s Katie Lannan, they will offer their perspectives on important policy debates that will shape Beacon Hill activity for the next several months and yield legislative decisions that will impact the Commonwealth for years to come.

Commission on Clean Heat public meetings

The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) invites you to attend public meetings focused on the work of the Commission on Clean Heat and related policies for building decarbonization. The meetings will be virtual and include a short presentation, followed by a period for public comment. There will be two sessions on each date with the same presentation, one in the afternoon and one in the evening.

Public Meeting #2: Tuesday, March 24, 2022

OPTION 1: 12:30pm – 2:00pm
Join by computer: https://zoom.us/j/99690459766
Join by phone: 929-436-2866
Meeting ID: 996 9045 9766 Passcode: 030122

OPTION 2: 6:00pm – 7:30pm
Join by computer: https://zoom.us/j/93847362753
Join by phone: 929-436-2866
Meeting ID: 938 4736 2753 Passcode: 030122

Additional meeting to be held April 14.

Accommodations: Accessibility accommodations and language services will be provided free of charge to those who request them and subject to availability. Requests must be either submitted during registration or via email a minimum of two business days prior to the meeting. Services include documents in alternative formats, translated documents, assistive listening devices, and interpreters (including American Sign Language). For more information or to request reasonable accommodations and/or language services, please email GWSA@mass.gov.

Immigrants’ Day (virtually) at the State House

Tuesday, March 29, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Virtual event
Register HERE. https://tinyurl.com/424cdtws

Please join Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition (MIRA) at the State House on March 29 to support immigrants’ rights and advocate for related budget items and legislation. For 26 years MIRA has brought together hundreds of immigrants and refugees to hear from public officials and advocate for their communities’ legislative and budget priorities.

The virtual event includes a speaking program with built-in digital advocacy opportunities, followed by regional “roundtables” with legislators co-hosted by MIRA member organizations. It will focus on the Safe Communities Act, the Work and Family Mobility Act, the Language Access and Inclusion Act, the COVID-19 Vaccine Equity Act, and several budget line-items.

45-minute speaking program with built-in digital advocacy opportunities, followed by 45-minute regional “roundtables” with legislators co-hosted by MIRA member organizations.

This year, we are privileged to announce that former Boston Mayor Kim Janey – the first Black woman to serve in that office – will be one of our keynote speakers. Our legislative hosts are Senator William N. Brownsberger, Senate President Pro Tempore, and Representative Ruth Balser, Second Division Chair. Featured speakers will include Gabriel Camacho, United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 1445, and Dalida Rocha, Political Director, Service Employees International Union Local 615, among others. Our priorities include ensuring the equitable distribution and availability of the vital COVID-19 vaccines, which are desperately needed in the immigrant and BIPOC communities hardest-hit by the pandemic. We will also continue to also push forward on longstanding priorities like the Safe Communities Act.

State-Level Actions

Eight months away to Election Day! A good opportunity to plug EDR

Link: https://actionnetwork.org/letters/edr/

Late last month, the Massachusetts House of Representatives voted in favor of the VOTES Act, pledging their support to making permanent critical electoral reforms like mail-in and early in-person voting. However, the House chose to leave out the heart of the VOTES Act: Election Day Registration (EDR). Now, because the House and Senate versions of the VOTES Act differ, a small group of legislators are finalizing the bill in conference committee.

While this is a disappointing development, the fight for EDR is far from over. EDR has been proven to make elections more equitable and efficient in 20 states. By reducing voter registration barriers, EDR boosts voter turnout for all, especially BIPOC, low income, immigrant, and young voters. It also decreases administrative burdens of running elections by allowing election workers to update registration information on the spot.

As we continue to make our voice heard on EDR, we ask for your support by doing so too. Contact your state representative NOW and urge them to include EDR in the final version of the VOTES Act. By doing so, you’ll help make our democracy a more equitable and efficient one.

From Jonathan Cohn, Progressive Massachusetts, via News-MAGIC

Our State Legislators’ Info

House Speaker Ronald Mariano: Ronald.Mariano@mahouse.gov 617-722-2500
Senate President: Karen E. Spilka: Karen.Spilka@masenate.gov 617-722-1500
Rep. Thomas Golden Thomas.Golden@mahouse.gov 617-722-2263
Rep. Vanna Howard Vanna.Howard@mahouse.gov 617-722-2800 x7302 / Google Voice: 978-272-9078
Rep. Rady Mom Rady.Mom@mahouse.gov 617-722-2460
Rep. Colleen Garry Colleen.Garry@mahouse.gov 617-722-2380
Rep. Tram Nguyen tram.nguyen@mahouse.gov 617-722-2425
Sen. Edward Kennedy edward.kennedy@masenate.gov 617-722-1630
Sen. Michael Barrett Mike.Barrett@masenate.gov 617-722-1572
Sen. Jamie Eldridge James.Eldridge@masenate.gov 617-722-1120
Sen. Barry Finegold Barry.Finegold@masenate.gov 617-722-1612
(… or find yours here: https://malegislature.gov/Search/FindMyLegislator)

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

National Actions

Our Federal Legislators’ Info

Senator Elizabeth Warren: 617-565-3170
309 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
https://www.warren.senate.gov/contact/shareyouropinion

Senator Edward Markey: 617-565-8519
255 Dirksen Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
https://www.markey.senate.gov/contact/share-your-opinion

Representative Lori Trahan: 978-459-0101 / 202-225-3411
https://trahan.house.gov/contact/write-your-rep.htm

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

—–

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

Visit the Solidarity Lowell website: http://solidaritylowell.com

For more events not listed here, visit the full Events calendar: https://solidaritylowell.com/events/

February meeting notes: https://tinyurl.com/ywzh67s3

February meeting recording: https://youtu.be/1GvTa_J6LTg

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

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

—–

Solidarity Lowell is a chapter of Progressive Massachusetts. Click here to join: https://www.progressivemass.com/donate/

Mar

2022

RAPID RESPONSE TEAM ACTION LIST FOR MAR 2, 2022

Solidarity Lowell Events and Actions

Next Solidarity Lowell General Meeting

Sunday March 27 at 5:30pm, on Zoom
Topic: TBD

SLCC Elections Coming Up

In April, we’ll be voting on Coordinating Committee members. Half of the seats are up for re-election/election each year. To help you decide whether you’d like to run, here is what the by-laws say about the Coordinating Committee:
3. Coordinating Committee members are invited to a two-year term or until they resign (either in person at a meeting or in the official Coordinating Committee Facebook Messenger conversation), or until they are voted out. At least ⅔ of the Coordinating Committee can agree to vote a Coordinating Committee member out. Terms will be staggered with 50% of the committee up for reelection in any given year. There are no term limits.

4. Coordinating Committee Meetings:
- 4.1 The Coordinating Committee will meet twice monthly. Decisions of the Coordinating Committee will be made by a vote of 50%+1 for motion to pass. A quorum of ⅔ of the Coordinating Committee must be present to hold a meeting.
- 4.2 Action by Consent. Any action by the Coordinating Committee may be taken without a meeting if consent is given by ⅔ of the Coordinating Committee online (by email or in the official Coordinating Committee Facebook Messenger chat or Slack). Such consent shall be treated for all purposes as a vote at a meeting
5. The responsibilities of the Coordinating Committee include:
- 5.1. Record the minutes of the Coordinating Committee meetings and distribute them in a timely fashion to the Coordinating Committee members.
- 5.2. Communicate on a regular basis with the SL membership through use of, and maintenance of, an email list and at monthly general meetings.
- 5.3. Maintain an up-to-date list of chapter members including name, address, phone number and email address as well as date of membership and meetings attended.
- 5.4. Prepare the agendas for the General Meetings, record the minutes of the meetings, and distribute the minutes to all members.
- 5.5. Conduct any voting at General Meetings.
- 5.6. Develop and maintain the appropriate social media avenues as needed.
- 5.7. Recommend, implement, and evaluate program activities, including but not limited to public forums, debates, and legislative and electoral campaigns.
- 5.8. Encourage SL members to join PM or SL committees needed to carry out the responsibilities and/or the program activities of the organization.
- 5.9 Organize tabling and the promotion of the group at local events.
6. The nominating and voting process for election of the Coordinating Committee is as follows:
- 6.1. Members may make nominations from the floor at the April meeting. Individuals who are nominated must accept or decline the nomination, or, if not in attendance, otherwise have signified their response to such a nomination.
- 6.2. The members will vote by secret ballot or online. The top vote-getters equaling the number of open seats will be elected.
- 6.3 Persons nominated for the SLCC must not currently be in or running for Lowell city office.

Anyone interested who has questions is welcome to contact any of the Coordinating Committee members (Amy Baranoski, Caroline Snow, Chris Offerman, Dee Halzack, Joseph Boyle, Lisa Arnold, Win Flint) or email the Committee at contact@solidaritylowell.com

Assistance urgently needed for our asylum-seeker

From: Merrimack Valley Interfaith Sanctuary Network (MVISN)

Asylum-Seeker Marius now has employment, but has had issues with his employer and is struggling to pay the rent. MVISN needs to extend assistance. Any amount will be gratefully accepted.

Donations via:
CashApp – $gollygee17
Venmo – @owlnerd
Please put “Marius” in the notes

For more information, email marissa@solidaritylowell.com

Other Events

Cambodian American Community Meeting

Thursday, March 3,5:30-7:00pm
Olympic Restaurant, 454 Chelmsford St, Lowell
Presenter: Senator Ed Kennedy

Learn about the campaign for Bill S.2406, Sponsored by Senator Ed Kennedy and Co-Sponsored by Representative Vanna Howard. The legislation condemns political oppression and encourages free and fair elections in Cambodia

More information on the bill at http://malegislature.gov/bills/192/S2406

Free event. Appetizers will be served.

Take Action Forum: Marching to the Ukrainian Beat – Let’s all stand up for Democracy

Wednesday, March 9, 6:45- 8 PM on Zoom
Group: Indivisible Acton Area
RSVP for Link: https://actionnetwork.org/events/indivisible-acton-area-take-action-forum?source=direct_link&

Special Fundraiser for Kids In Need of Defense KIND’s Ukraine Aid
The Steering Committee will donate $5 per attendee to KIND and Christine will give a bonus $5 for every pet in the zoom call!

We have two exciting ballot measures coming up in Massachusetts

Act On Mass – Transparency
Mass Care – Medicare for All

Plus it’s time to collect signatures for the candidate of your choice.

So excited to get outside and actually talk to people…in person!
Join us for some interactive fun while we learn tips to gather signatures.

Via Christine Brown Indivisible Acton Area – News-Magic Team

State-Level Actions

Progressive Massachusetts endorses Chang-Diaz and Gouveia

Progressive Massachusetts reached out in late December to gubernatorial and lieutenant gubernatorial candidates with a comprehensive policy questionnaire. In mid-February, they polled statewide membership about whom and whether to endorse, and the results were clear: Sonia Chang-Díaz for Governor and Tami Gouveia for Lt. Governor.

Each received a commanding 78% of the vote in the member poll, far clearing the 60% threshold required for endorsement.

Each has consistently and persistently demonstrated a commitment to PM’s fundamental mantra that “We all do better when we all do better.” They each bring a deep commitment to equity and justice and a proven track record.

Ban Trump and Insurrectionists from the Ballot

Demand enforcement of Section 3 of the 14th Amendment
Write to Secretary Galvin using sample letter

Dear Friends: You can help keep Donald Trump and other insurrectionists off ballots in every state by demanding enforcement of Section 3 of the 14th Amendment, which bars anyone who has sworn to defend the Constitution and then engages in insurrection from ever holding office. Any citizen can petition election officials and the candidate need not have been convicted of anything. As long as there is “reasonable suspicion” and evidence, election officials must investigate and it is then up to the candidates to prove they have not disqualified themselves.

Free Speech for People has written 5-page letters to every state, which you can find on their website under “14POINT3 Campaign” heading. It includes the entire relevant section 14.3 of the Constitution and numerous other citations.
https://freespeechforpeople.org/the-14point3-campaign/

Robin of Indivisible Worcester has written a one-page version of the letter. Please customize this sample letter to write or email (email address) Bill Galvin, Massachusetts Secretary of State. Just copy or download.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1S3EHygUgx6JrGIKP9_ZavfO24D2VTnwD/edit

Here is a brief summary of Trump’s offenses.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1h7dyVOuTcu8BZZXG1WydkCnn2FlhumOy/view?usp=sharing

And for all other state election officials (Secretary of State in some states, an election commission in other states), use the names and addresses you find on the Free Speech for People website. Focus on the states you consider most important.

Once we finish with Trump, we can move on to Phase II: work to bar over 200 insurrectionist candidates found on InsurrectionIndex.org with their offenses, listed by state. Stay tuned for more information on Phase II.

Contact RobinJVL@gmail.com with any questions.
Thank you, Indivisible Worcester.
h/t Shaw Yang Indivisible Acton Area – News Magic Team

Our State Legislators’ Info

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

National Actions

Our Federal Legislators’ Info

Senator Elizabeth Warren: 617-565-3170
309 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
https://www.warren.senate.gov/contact/shareyouropinion

Senator Edward Markey: 617-565-8519
255 Dirksen Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
https://www.markey.senate.gov/contact/share-your-opinion

Representative Lori Trahan: 978-459-0101 / 202-225-3411
https://trahan.house.gov/contact/write-your-rep.htm

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

Visit the Solidarity Lowell website: http://solidaritylowell.com

For more events not listed here, visit the full Events calendar: https://solidaritylowell.com/events/

February meeting notes: https://tinyurl.com/ywzh67s3

February meeting recording: https://youtu.be/1GvTa_J6LTg

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

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

———-

Solidarity Lowell is a chapter of Progressive Massachusetts. Click here to join: https://www.progressivemass.com/contribute

Feb

2022

RAPID RESPONSE TEAM ACTION LIST FOR FEBRUARY 22, 2022

Solidarity Lowell Events and Actions

Solidarity Lowell February General Meeting

Sunday February 27 at 5:30pm, on Zoom
Speaker: Alexander Chandler, Policy Advocate for Elections and Voting Rights at Protect Democracy (former Naval Intelligence Officer and primary candidate for the Third Congressional District)
Topic: The election crisis of 2022

Alexandra Chandler will outline the core threats to U.S. elections and the potential for election subversion, how these threats and changes in voting access increase the risk level and change the playing field, but also why there is cause for hope and what members of Solidarity Lowell can do to take action to reduce the risk of election crisis and other dangers to our democracy in 2022, 2024, and beyond.

Email contact@solidaritylowell.com for the Zoom link.

Assistance urgently needed for our asylum-seeker

From: Merrimack Valley Interfaith Sanctuary Network (MVISN)

Donations via:
CashApp – $gollygee17
Venmo – @owlnerd
Please put “Marius” in the notes

For more information, email marissa@solidaritylowell.com

Other Events

Concerned about climate change?

350Mass Climate Café
Wednesday, February 23, 7pm
Register here: https://tinyurl.com/2n7fmwhf

Whatever our feelings, we don’t have to be alone with them!

You can talk with others in a supportive environment. You’re invited to the Climate Café! The Café is for both climate activists and concerned people who are not activists, and everybody in between. The Café is a gathering where you don’t have to put on a positive face but can share openly with people who have similar emotions and struggles, and are learning from each other.

For now, the Cafés are on Zoom and led by two experienced activists from 350 Mass Lowell.

Vigils For Racial Justice

Sunday, February 27
March 27
April 24
2 to 3 PM
Littleton Common & First Baptist Church

Sponsored by The Greater Littleton Interfaith Council

If the wind chill factor is below 32 degrees, this event will be canceled.

State-Level Actions

Our State Legislators’ Info

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

National Actions

Our Federal Legislators’ Info

Senator Elizabeth Warren: 617-565-3170
309 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
https://www.warren.senate.gov/contact/shareyouropinion

Senator Edward Markey: 617-565-8519
255 Dirksen Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
https://www.markey.senate.gov/contact/share-your-opinion

Representative Lori Trahan: 978-459-0101 / 202-225-3411
https://trahan.house.gov/contact/write-your-rep.htm

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

Visit the Solidarity Lowell website: http://solidaritylowell.com

For more events not listed here, visit the full Events calendar: https://solidaritylowell.com/events/

January meeting notes: https://tinyurl.com/39mkh38f

January meeting recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JXXvIypE9Zc

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

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

—–

Solidarity Lowell is a chapter of Progressive Massachusetts. Click here to join: https://www.progressivemass.com/contribute

Feb

2022

RAPID RESPONSE TEAM ACTION LIST FOR FEB 15, 2022

Solidarity Lowell Events and Actions

Save the Date: Solidarity Lowell February General Meeting

Assistance urgently needed for our asylum-seeker

From: Merrimack Valley Interfaith Sanctuary Network (MVISN)

Asylum-Seeker Marius now has employment, but is having issues with his employer and is struggling to pay the rent. MVISN needs to extend assistance through March. Any amount will be gratefully accepted.

Donations via:
CashApp – $gollygee17
Venmo – @owlnerd
Please put “Marius” in the notes

For more information, email marissa@solidaritylowell.com

Other Events

Vigils For Racial Justice

Sunday, February 27
March 27
April 24
2 to 3 PM

Littleton Common & First Baptist Church
Sponsored by The Greater Littleton Interfaith Council
If the wind chill factor is below 32 degrees, this event will be canceled.

State-Level Actions

Progressive Mass and the Governor and Lt. Governor races

The Governor and Lt. Governor’s races offer Massachusetts an opportunity to shift course from the complacency and conservatism of the Baker-Polito administration. We must make sure that our recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic puts our commonwealth on a more equitable foundation, one that does right by workers, local businesses, and historically disenfranchised communities; one that provides our teachers and students the resources they need to thrive; and one that is rooted in an understanding of the importance of investing in our future, from child care to public education to public transit and beyond. Massachusetts also must address long-standing crises of medical debt, student loan debt, housing instability, runaway climate change, and systemic racism. We have a lot to do, and we need proactive leaders, backed by an engaged public, to do it.

Progressive Massachusetts reached out to all announced and likely-to-announce candidates in December 2021, inviting them to fill out our comprehensive questionnaire about their policies, priorities, and leadership style. We view these questionnaires as a vital opportunity to educate candidates about issues that matter to progressive voters, get candidates on record, and create a more informed and engaged electorate.

Our Endorsement Process
As a membership organization, we put major decisions like endorsements before our members. All candidates who submitted a questionnaire are eligible for consideration for endorsement, although candidates must pass a 60% threshold in our member ballot to be endorsed by Progressive Mass.

Anyone who donated at least $5 to Progressive Mass over the past year counts as a dues-paying member and should have received a ballot in their email.

Not sure if you are a member? You can check your membership status, renew your membership, or join for the first time here! https://tinyurl.com/ybxc3kfp

Gubernatorial Questionnaires Submitted
Danielle Allen
Sonia Chang-Díaz

Lt. Governor Questionnaires Submitted
Bret Bero
Kim Driscoll
Tami Gouveia
Adam Hinds

View all of them here. https://tinyurl.com/37upckxn

Submitted by Jonathan Cohn, Progressive Massachusetts

Support the Work and Family Mobility Act

We have good news!! The Work Family Mobility Act has been voted favorably out of committee and is scheduled for a floor vote in the House this week.
The Work Family Mobility Act (H3456 and S2289) provides the means for MA residents to hold legal driving licenses without regard for their citizenship status. This bill is supported by legal, business and immigration rights groups. More here: https://www.aclum.org/en/legislation/work-and-family-mobility-act

Now is the time to contact your state representative and state senator and ask them to vote ‘YES’ on this important bill. This easy-to-use tool will help: https://actionnetwork.org/letters/dff-letter?clear_id=trueort

h/t Jeannine Wood, MAGIC

Our State Legislators’ Info

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

National Actions

Call your members of Congress today and advocate for an Afghan Adjustment Act

We have a real opportunity to make an impact in the lives of tens of thousands of Afghans evacuated to the United States. Call your members of Congress and ask them to create for these Afghans a clear pathway to permanent legal status.

So many of us have donated resources, clothes, furniture, and food, or helped find housing and given our time to support our new Afghan neighbors. An Afghan Adjustment Act will be critical in their being able to make the United States their home for years to come.

Click here for instructions to make your call. https://tinyurl.com/43vy4tt9
The website has an automatic call-in tool, a script, and instructions.

Submitted by HIAS

Our Federal Legislators’ Info

Senator Elizabeth Warren: 617-565-3170
309 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
https://www.warren.senate.gov/contact/shareyouropinion

Senator Edward Markey: 617-565-8519
255 Dirksen Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
https://www.markey.senate.gov/contact/share-your-opinion

Representative Lori Trahan: 978-459-0101 / 202-225-3411
https://trahan.house.gov/contact/write-your-rep.htm

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

Visit the Solidarity Lowell website: http://solidaritylowell.com

For more events not listed here, visit the full Events calendar: https://solidaritylowell.com/events/

January meeting notes: https://tinyurl.com/39mkh38f

January meeting recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JXXvIypE9Zc

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

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

—–

Solidarity Lowell is a chapter of Progressive Massachusetts. Click here to join: https://www.progressivemass.com/contribute

Feb

2022

RAPID RESPONSE TEAM ACTION LIST FOR FEB 08, 2022

Solidarity Lowell Events and Actions

Save the Date: Solidarity Lowell February General Meeting

Assistance urgently needed for our asylum-seeker

From: Merrimack Valley Interfaith Sanctuary Network (MVISN)

Asylum-Seeker Marius now has employment, but is having issues with his employer and is struggling to pay the rent. MVISN may need to extend assistance through Feb or March. Any amount will be gratefully accepted.

Donations via:
CashApp – $gollygee17
Venmo – @owlnerd
Please put “Marius” in the notes

For more information, email marissa@solidaritylowell.com

Other Events

Fair Share Amendment Actionar

February 12, 2022, 11:00am-12:00pm
To register: https://350mass.betterfutureproject.org/fsa_actionar

Do you want to join the fight for better public education and transit?

Mark your calendars! Join us for an Actionar to help promote the Fair Share Amendment.

In the Actionar, after a brief introduction and Q&A, each of us will reach out via phone calls, text messages, or social media posts/messages to 10 of our family, friends, colleagues and neighbors to help spread the word and build an effective grass-roots campaign.

Vigils For Racial Justice

Sunday, February 27
March 27
April 24
2 to 3 PM

Littleton Common & First Baptist Church
Sponsored by The Greater Littleton Interfaith Council
If the wind chill factor is below 32 degrees, this event will be canceled.

State-Level Actions

Progressive Mass and the Governor and Lt. Governor races

Our Endorsement Process
As a membership organization, we put major decisions like endorsements before our members. All candidates who submitted a questionnaire are eligible for consideration for endorsement, although candidates must pass a 60% threshold in our member ballot to be endorsed by Progressive Mass.

Anyone who has donated at least $5 to Progressive Mass over the past year counts as a dues-paying member, and we will be sending out our member ballot on Friday, February 11.

Not sure if you are a member? You can check your membership status, renew your membership, or join for the first time here! https://tinyurl.com/ybxc3kfp

Gubernatorial Questionnaires Submitted
Danielle Allen
Sonia Chang-Díaz

Lt. Governor Questionnaires Submitted
Bret Bero
Kim Driscoll
Tami Gouveia
Adam Hinds

View all of them here. https://tinyurl.com/37upckxn

Submitted by Jonathan Cohn, Progressive Massachusetts

Action in support of Work and Family Mobility Act

Merrimack Valley Project received word that the Joint Committee on Transportation has granted an extension for the Work and Family Mobility Act to March 4th. That gives us just under a month to generate overwhelming public support for the bill to advance out of committee and onto the floor for a vote this session. To help generate this support, MVP is asking folks to email all 18 members of the committee, using the preformatted link below:

https://actionnetwork.org/letters/email-the-joint-transportation-committee?source=twitter&

The email can be edited. You are encouraged to add a bit about how and why the bill is important to you personally.

Our State Legislators’ Info

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

National Actions

Call your members of Congress today and advocate for an Afghan Adjustment Act

Click here for instructions to make your call. https://tinyurl.com/43vy4tt9
The website has an automatic call-in tool, a script, and instructions.

Submitted by HIAS

Our Federal Legislators’ Info

Senator Elizabeth Warren: 617-565-3170
309 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
https://www.warren.senate.gov/contact/shareyouropinion

Senator Edward Markey: 617-565-8519
255 Dirksen Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
https://www.markey.senate.gov/contact/share-your-opinion

Representative Lori Trahan: 978-459-0101 / 202-225-3411
https://trahan.house.gov/contact/write-your-rep.htm

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

Visit the Solidarity Lowell website: http://solidaritylowell.com

For more events not listed here, visit the full Events calendar: https://solidaritylowell.com/events/

January meeting notes:
https://tinyurl.com/39mkh38f

January meeting recording:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JXXvIypE9Zc

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

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

—–

Solidarity Lowell is a chapter of Progressive Massachusetts. Click here to join: https://www.progressivemass.com/contribute

Feb

2022

RAPID RESPONSE TEAM ACTION LIST FOR FEB 01, 2022

Solidarity Lowell Events and Actions

Save the Date: Solidarity Lowell February General Meeting

Sunday February 27 at 5:30pm, on Zoom
Speaker: Alexander Chandler of Protect Democracy (former primary candidate for the Third Congressional District)

Assistance urgently needed for our asylum-seeker

From: Merrimack Valley Interfaith Sanctuary Network (MVISN)

Asylum-Seeker Marius now has employment, but is having issues with his employer. MVISN may need to extend assistance through Feb or March. Any amount will be gratefully accepted.

Donations via:
CashApp – $gollygee17
Venmo – @owlnerd
Please put “Marius” in the notes

For more information, email marissa@solidaritylowell.com

Other Events

Imani Perry on South to America

Wednesday, February 7 / 6:30 pm
Virtual Program

To register: https://www.bklynlibrary.org/calendar/cbh-talk-imani-perry-virtual-20220209

In South to America, Imani Perry, professor of African American Studies at Princeton University, surmises that the meaning of America is inextricably linked to the South, and that to build a more humane future in the United States we must truly understand the history and culture below the Mason-Dixon line.

Vigils For Racial Justice

February 27, 2022
March 27, 2022
April 24, 2022
2 to 3 PM
Littleton Common & First Baptist Church
Sponsored by The Greater Littleton Interfaith Council

If wind chill factor is below 32 degrees, this event will be canceled.

State-Level Actions

Action in Support of Work and Family Mobility Act

Merrimack Valley Project received word that the Joint Committee on Transportation has granted an extension for the Work and Family Mobility Act to March 4th. That gives us just under 5 weeks to generate overwhelming public support for the bill to advance out of committee and onto the floor for a vote this session. To help generate this support, MVP is asking folks to email all 18 members of the committee, using the preformatted link below:

https://actionnetwork.org/letters/email-the-joint-transportation-committee?source=twitter&

The email can be edited. You are encouraged to add a bit about how and why the bill is important to you personally.

Support the Progressive Mass Legislative Agenda

From: Jonathan Cohn, Policy Director Progressive Massachusetts

This Wednesday is an important deadline for our Legislative Agenda. That’s because it’s what’s known as Joint Rule 10 Day, the date by which every Joint Committee in the MA Legislature must make a decision on the bills in its purview.

That can mean a favorable report (a yes), an adverse report (a no), or an extension (a punt until later). But it has to be something.

If you have time before Wednesday, please email key legislative committees about our priority bills and some of the bills from our close allies. Unfortunately, there is no easy way to get the contact information for every committee in order to email. If you go to https://malegislature.gov/Committees/Joint there are links to every committee. On the Committee pages, there are links to all the members, including the chair and vice chair. At the linked pages, you’ll find emails. Pick a committee that has bills that are important to you and write your legislator if they’re on the committee and write to the chair and vice chair at least.

Joint Committee on Housing

Real Estate Transfer Fee (S.868 / H.1377): An Act empowering cities and towns to support affordable housing with a fee on certain real estate transactions (Comerford – Connolly), which would enables cities and towns to assess a fee of 0.5-2% on residential and commercial real estate transactions, with the funds allocated to affordable housing trust funds.

Tenant Protection Act (S.886 / H.1378): An Act enabling local options for tenant protections (Gomez – Connolly/Elugardo), which would enable cities and towns to pass tenant protections such as rent stabilization laws, just cause eviction, limitations on condo conversions, etc.

Tenant Opportunity to Purchase (S.890 / H.1426): An Act to guarantee a tenant’s first right of refusal (Jehlen – Livingstone/Consalvo), which would provide tenants of small, medium, and large multifamily properties with right of first refusal when the owner plans to put a building on the market.

Right to Counsel (S.874 / H.1436): An Act promoting housing stability and homelessness prevention in Massachusetts (DiDomenico – Day / Rogers), which would provide legal representation for low-income tenants and owner-occupants in eviction proceedings.

Joint Committee on Public Safety

Safe Communities Act (S.1579 / H.2418): An Act to protect the civil rights and safety of all Massachusetts residents (Eldridge – Balser/Miranda), which would limit local and state police collaboration with federal immigration agents, bar law enforcement and court personnel from inquiring about immigration status, and ensure due process protections.

Curbing Solitary Confinement (S.1578 / H.2504): An Act to provide criminal justice reform protections to all prisoners in segregated confinement (Eldridge – Miranda), which would expand the rights of those in solitary confinement, including requiring treatment for those with serious mental illness and monthly reviews for eligibility to return to the general population.

No Cost Calls (S.1559): An Act relative to inmate telephone calls (Creem), which would prevent prisons and jails from charging individuals who are incarcerated for phone calls to loved ones.

Alternative Crisis Response (S.1552 / H.2519): An Act to Create Alternatives for Community Emergency Services (ACES), which would create a grant program through the Executive Office of Health and Human Services to increase the availability of non-law-enforcement, unarmed community-based response options for calls to 911 (Chang-Diaz — Sabadosa)

Joint Committee on Education

Common Start (S.362 / H.605): An Act providing affordable and accessible high quality early education and care to promote child development and well-being and support the economy in the Commonwealth (Lewis/Moran – Gordon/Madaro), which would establish a universal system of affordable, high-quality early education and child care for all Massachusetts families, over a 5-year timeline.

CARES Bill (S.365 / H.584): An Act relative to anti-racism, equity and justice in education (Lewis / Elugardo – Uyterhoeven), which would create a commission to develop curriculum materials with a social justice perspective of dismantling racism and ensure that ethnic studies, racial justice, decolonizing history, and unlearning racism is taught at all grade levels using a critical approach and pedagogy that is age-appropriate.

Joint Committee on the Judiciary

Eviction Sealing (S.921 / H.1808): Housing Opportunity and Mobility through Eviction Sealing bills (HOMES) (Boncore – Moran), which would protect tenants from being unfairly branded with an eviction record, especially if they don’t have a judgment against them, if they weren’t actually evicted, or if they didn’t do anything wrong.

No Cost Calls (H.1900): An Act relative to inmate telephone calls (Tyler), which would prevent prisons and jails from charging individuals who are incarcerated for phone calls to loved ones.

Prison Moratorium (H.1905): An Act establishing a jail and prison construction moratorium (Tyler), which would prevent the state from building new prisons and jails, which would lock in a carceral system through increased capacity.

Raising the Age (S.920 / H.1826): An Act to promote public safety and better outcomes for young adults (Boncore – O’Day/Khan), which would raise the age of criminal majority to 21, allowing youth to have better access to treatment and educational services and thereby reducing recidivism.

Joint Committee on Transportation

Work & Family Mobility Act (S.2289 / H.3456): An Act relative to work and family mobility during and subsequent to the COVID-19 emergency (Crighton – Farley-Bouvier/Barber), which would enable all qualified state residents to apply for a standard Massachusetts driver’s license or identification card, regardless of immigrant status. [NOTE: action on this already requested by Merrimack Valley Project above]

Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities, & Energy

Building Justice with Jobs (S.2226 / H.3365): An Act providing for building justice with jobs (Pacheco – Robinson/LeBoeuf), which would put thousands of MA residents to work retrofitting 100,000 homes each year to improve energy efficiency and health outcomes, and reduce utility bills and carbon emissions.

Siting Reform (S.2135 / H.3336): An Act Relative to Energy Facilities Siting Reform to Address Environmental Justice, Climate, and Public Health (Boncore – Madaro), which adds environmental justice, public health, and climate to the factors that the Energy Facilities Siting Board must consider in its deliberations; requires community engagement prior to filing for environmental or Siting Board review of a petition to construct an oil, gas, or substation facility; among other steps.

Joint Committee on Revenue

HERO Bill (S.1853 / H.2890): An Act providing for climate change adaptation infrastructure and affordable housing investments in the Commonwealth (Eldridge – Elugardo), which would doubles the deeds excise tax on home sales to provide a funding stream for the Global Warming Solutions Fund, the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, and the Housing Preservation and Stabilization Fund.

PILOT Reform (S.1874 / H.3080): An Act relative to payments in lieu of taxation by organizations exempt from the property tax (Gomez – Uyterhoeven), which would enable cities and towns with nonprofits owning total property valued at or above $15 million to require them to make payments in lieu of taxes (PILOT) equal to 25% what they would have owed without the exemption.

Next action in support of Safe Communities Act

Folks are being asked to email the Public Safety Committee now to make sure the Safe Communities Act receives a favorable report.

As the decision deadline approaches, we expect our opponents to ramp up their efforts to sway the Committee, as they did before the December hearing. We need to make sure our support drowns them out! Will you take a minute to email the committee right now using our easy tool, even if you contacted them in December? This will send a strong message of support.

If you’re able to, please try to personalize the template email we’ve provided with one or two reasons why you support the Safe Communities Act. This will ensure that your email stands out in the committee members’ email inboxes. Once you’ve sent your messages, make sure to share the email tool with your networks in order to amplify your support!

Email the Public Safety Committee members right now.
https://actionnetwork.org/letters/tell-the-public-safety-committee-report-the-safe-communities-act-out-favorably/

Support the Indigenous Legislative Agenda

Steps to Making 9 Calls for MA Indigenous Legislative Agenda!

Find the Phone Numbers for Your Own Legislators (Lowell and a few others are listed at the end of this section) Rep. Howard has co-sponsored all bills except S.382/H.651 (Celebrate and Teach Native Culture).. NONE of the other Lowell legislators have co-sponsored any of the bills.

– Call YOUR legislators using the generic script.
– Call the Committee Chairs for the following committees using the script provided.

Senate Committee on Ways and Means
Joint Committee on Education
Joint Committee on Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development
Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight

Generic Script for calling your own Senator and Representative about all five priority bills:

Hi, my name is _______, I live in TOWN and I am a constituent of X.

How are you doing? I am calling in support of the Massachusetts Indigenous Legislative Agenda. We have five priority bills that need to make it out of committee and I’d like X to contact the committee chairs about them.

In the Senate Committee on Ways and Means, I’d like to see S.2493 An Act Prohibiting the Use of Native American Mascots by Public Schools in the Commonwealth reported out favorably.

In the Joint Committee on Education, I’d like to see the following two bills reported out favorably:
H.651/S.382 An Act relative to celebrating and teaching Native American culture and history
H.582 An Act providing for the creation of a permanent commission relative to the education of American Indian and Alaska Native residents of the Commonwealth.

In the Joint Committee on Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development, I’d like to see H.3385/H.3377/S.2240/S.2239 An Act to protect Native American heritage reported out favorably.

In the Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight, I’d like to see H.3191/S.2027 An Act establishing an Indigenous Peoples Day reported out favorably.

Generic Script for Senate Committee on Ways and Means
Sen. Michael J. Rodrigues (617) 722-1114

Hi, my name is _______, I live in TOWN.

How are you doing? I am calling in support of the Massachusetts Indigenous Legislative Agenda. In the Senate Committee on Ways and Means, I’d like to see S.2493 An Act Prohibiting the Use of Native American Mascots by Public Schools in the Commonwealth called to a vote and reported out favorably.

Thank you for your time.

Generic Script for Joint Committee on Education
Sen. Jason M. Lewis (617) 722-1206
Rep. Alice Hanlon Peisch (617) 722-2070

Hi, my name is _______, I live in TOWN.

How are you doing? I am calling in support of the Massachusetts Indigenous Legislative Agenda. In the Joint Committee on Education, I’d like to see the following two bills called to a vote and reported out favorably:

H.651/S.382 An Act relative to celebrating and teaching Native American culture and history
H.582 An Act providing for the creation of a permanent commission relative to the education of American Indian and Alaska Native residents of the Commonwealth

Thank you for your time.

Generic Script for Joint Committee on Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development
Sen. Edward J. Kennedy (617) 722-1630
Rep. Carole A. Fiola (617) 722-2430

Hi, my name is _______, I live in TOWN.

How are you doing? I am calling in support of the Massachusetts Indigenous Legislative Agenda. In the Joint Committee on Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development, I’d like to see H.3385/H.3377/S.2240/S.2239 An Act to protect Native American heritage called to a vote and reported out favorably.

Thank you for your time.

Generic Script for Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight
Sen. Marc R. Pacheco (617) 722-1551
Rep. Antonio F.D. Cabral (617) 722-2017

Hi, my name is _______, I live in TOWN.

How are you doing? I am calling in support of the Massachusetts Indigenous Legislative Agenda. In the Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight, I’d like to see H.3191/S.2027 An Act establishing an Indigenous Peoples Day called to a vote and reported out favorably.

Thank you for your time.

TWITTER

Twitter Goal: Engage legislators directly about the bill. Be sure to pick an image to share with your post.

Sample Tweets:
It’s time for the Massachusetts Indigenous Legislative Agenda. (Thank you for co-sponsor) OR (Co-sponsor now), (insert your legislator’s handle) Let’s get these bills out of committee! @UAINE @NAICOB91 #mapoli https://youtu.be/CQelq6wRYJc

Did Your State Rep Vote to Block Same Day Registration?

From: Jonathan Cohn, Policy Director Progressive Massachusetts

President Joe Biden supports Same Day Registration.
Senators Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey support Same Day Registration.
All 9 of Massachusetts’s US Representatives support Same Day Registration.
All 37 Democratic members of the MA Senate support Same Day Registration.
But despite all that, the MA House voted to block it on Thursday during the floor debate on the VOTES Act on Thursday.

In a vote of 93 to 64, the MA House voted to send Same Day Registration, a policy working well in countless others states, to a costly and needless study and to block consideration of a compromise amendment on Election Day Registration.

Those who voted YES sought to uphold arbitrary and exclusionary voter registration cutoff periods, arguing that Massachusetts was too technologically backwards, our clerks too incompetent, and our laws too perfect relative to other states.

Those who voted NO wanted a chance to debate and vote on the Election Day Registration amendment filed by State Rep. Nika Elugardo (D-Jamaica Plain), which had the backing of both voting rights advocates and town clerks. (The 3 Republican NO votes likely thought that even a study was too far.)

If your state rep voted YES, email or call them about your disappointment. (Reps Mom and Golden voted YES).

If your state rep is one of the 61 Democrats who voted NO, email or call them to thank them for their vote. (Reps. Howard and Gouveia voted NO.)

See below for contact information.

Curious how the whole floor debate went down? Read our write-up here.

There’s still plenty of good in the underlying bill (the House’s watered down version of the VOTES Act), including codifying recent mail-in voting and early voting reforms and strengthening the 2018 Automatic Voter Registration law. The House, on close to party line votes, defeated a number of Republican amendments to weaken the bill and passed one amendment from Rep. Liz Miranda (D-Roxbury) and Rep. Chynah Tyler (D-Roxbury) to strengthen the language around protecting the voting rights of incarcerated individuals. You can read all about that in the recap. But the fact that Massachusetts House Democrats continue to defend voter registration cutoffs is unacceptable.

If your state rep voted to block Same Day Registration, you will probably hear any number of excuses for why Massachusetts can’t have a policy that Maine has had since the 1970s and that countless pro-democracy think tanks champion as a gold standard policy.

Read about common excuses and how to rebut them here.

Our State Legislators’ Info

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

National Actions

Our Federal Legislators’ Info

Senator Elizabeth Warren: 617-565-3170
309 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
https://www.warren.senate.gov/contact/shareyouropinion

Senator Edward Markey: 617-565-8519
255 Dirksen Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
https://www.markey.senate.gov/contact/share-your-opinion

Representative Lori Trahan: 978-459-0101 / 202-225-3411
https://trahan.house.gov/contact/write-your-rep.htm

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

Visit the Solidarity Lowell website: http://solidaritylowell.com

For more events not listed here, visit the full Events calendar: https://solidaritylowell.com/events/

January meeting notes:
https://tinyurl.com/39mkh38f

January meeting recording:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JXXvIypE9Zc

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

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

—–

Solidarity Lowell is a chapter of Progressive Massachusetts. Click here to join: https://www.progressivemass.com/contribute

Jan

2022

DISCOVERING THE LAST SLAVE SHIP: A CONVERSATION WITH BEN RAINES

Monday, January 31 / 6:30 pm Virtual Program To register: https://www.bklynlibrary.org/calendar/cbh-talk-discovering-last-virtual-20220131

In 2018, journalist Ben Raines discovered the remains of the infamous Clotilda deep in the bayou off Alabama’s coast. He writes about this discovery in his new book, The Last Slave Ship: The True Story of How Clotilda Was Found, Her Descendants, and an Extraordinary Reckoning. Join him and historian Sowande’ M. Mustakeem (Slavery at Sea: Terror, Sex, and Sickness in the Middle Passage) for a discussion of the Clotilda and its legacy. Read more about the Clotilda in this New York Times piece.

Jan

2022

RAPID RESPONSE TEAM ACTION LIST FOR JAN 26, 2022

Solidarity Lowell Events and Actions

Save the Date: Solidarity Lowell February General Meeting

Sunday February 27 at 5:30pm, on Zoom
Topic: TBD

Merrimack Valley Interfaith Sanctuary Network (MVISN)

Asylum-Seeker Marius now has employment, but is having issues with his employer. MVISN may need to extend assistance through Feb or March. Any amount will be gratefully accepted.

Donations via:
CashApp – $gollygee17
Venmo – @owlnerd
Please put “Marius” in the notes

For more information, email marissa@solidaritylowell.com

Other Events

Vigils For Racial Justice

February 27, 2022
March 27, 2022
April 24, 2022
2 to 3 PM
Littleton Common & First Baptist Church
Sponsored by The Greater Littleton Interfaith Council

If wind chill factor is below 32 degrees, this event will be canceled.

Common Start Roundtable Discussion

Tuesday, January 25, 2022 06:30-8:00 PM
https://bit.ly/commonstartroundtable

At this event, you will hear from educators and providers in the field, parents, and experts about the current state of the field of early education and child care and efforts to make affordable, accessible, high-quality education and care a reality for all Massachusetts families through passage of the Common Start bill.

The Gig is Up Film Discussion

Wednesday, January 26, 2022 05:30 PM
To register: http://www.bit.ly/gigisupjan

Want to learn how to stand against the gig job ballot question? Join us for a panel discussion with the Director of the documentary “The Gig is Up,” Shannon Walsh.

“The Gig is Up” uncovers the real costs of the platform economy through the lives of people working for companies around the world, including Uber, Amazon, and InstaCart. Last year in California, Big Tech spent $220 million on a ballot campaign, known as Proposition 22, which codified their exploitative and racially discriminatory practices into law. This fight has now come to Massachusetts and we must unite in order to prevent further erosion of workers rights.

After you register, you will be sent a link to view the film for free 48 hours prior to the discussion.

Climate Change Café

Wednesday, January 26, 7:00pm
To register: https://350mass.betterfutureproject.org/upcoming_events

Worried about the pace of climate change? Worried about COP26, the Thwaites Glacier, or lack of federal action? Come to the Climate Café. It’s a supportive gathering where no one has to put on a positive face, but can share openly with people who are experiencing similar emotions. Currently they are held virtually and led by two experienced activists from the Greater Lowell chapter of 350Massachusetts.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service Virtual Book Drive

Donate a book or two before January 31

Two options for donating books:

Visit the Amazon registry (https://www.amazon.com/registries/custom/2K5KBYROZGV9N/)
Drop off a gently used book at the “Little Free Library” on Bourne Street in Lowell’s Sacred Heart neighborhood

Donations end January 31, 2022. Books will go to Lowell community organizations, institutions and families.

Hosted by Lowell’s Black Coalition https://blacklowellcoalition.com

State-Level Actions

Unless an extension is issued, Joint Committees have until February 2nd to report out favorably the bills before it. Bills not reported out or extended will be dead for this legislative session. Following are a few we have a chance of seeing passed that need your support.

Next action in support of Safe Communities Act

The next step in the process of passing the act is coming up quickly. On February 2nd, each committee must decide the fate of the hundreds of bills before it – whether to continue consideration with a favorable report or end the process for this session.

Folks are being asked to email the Public Safety Committee now to make sure the Safe Communities Act receives a favorable report.

Email the Public Safety Committee members right now.
https://actionnetwork.org/letters/tell-the-public-safety-committee-report-the-safe-communities-act-out-favorably/

Support the Indigenous Legislative Agenda

The 2021-2022 Indigenous Legislative Agenda includes 5 priorities: Remove Racist Mascots, Honor Indigenous People’s Day, Celebrate and Teach Native American Culture & History, Protect Native American Heritage, and Support the Education and Futures of Native Youth. Join in calling for each of these bills to move out of committee!

Go to https://bit.ly/SupportIndigenousBills to Support Indigenous-Centered Bills in MA

PLEASE WATCH THIS POWERFUL ONE-HOUR VIDEO OF THE JANUARY 11 INDIGENOUS PANEL SPEAKING ABOUT THE NEED TO SUPPORT INDIGENOUS-CENTERED BILLS IN MASSACHUSETTS!
And if you don’t have the time to be further re-educated and inspired…
THEN JUST TAKE THIS ACTION STEP:
-Go to https://bit.ly/SupportIndigenousBills and send an automated letter to the members of the legislative committees where the bills are currently sitting, asking that the bills be reported out of committee favorably. You can customize the letter if you want. Please share and get your friends and organizations to write, too!

-Learn more about the bills and get updates via http://maindigenousagenda.org/

Via News-MAGIC

Email your state rep today in support of the VOTES Act!

The VOTES act was passed favorably out of committee and will be brought to a vote this Thursday.
The House allowed the expiration of temporary reforms that made it safer to vote in the pandemic. Those reforms would also have ended disenfranchisement of people who find voting in person or on election day difficult or impossible. To restore those reforms, the House needs to pass the VOTES act, which the Senate passed last summer.
https://actionnetwork.org/letters/we-need-to-strengthen-democracy-here-in-ma

Support the Work and Family Mobility Act by attending Law Enforcement Leaders for Drivers Licenses Virtual Briefing

Tuesday, January 25, 10:00am
http://www.facebook.com/DrivingFamiliesForward

Universal childcare can advance with the Common Start Initiative

Common Start Roundtable
Tuesday, January 25, 6:30-8:00pm
Register at: http://bit.ly/CommonStartRoundtable

With Special guest Congresswoman Katherine Clark

Massachusetts Power Forward Day of Action

Climate Justice can’t wait! Massachusetts needs decision-makers to act fast and move more climate justice policy now!

Join the Massachusetts Power Forward coalition this Thursday for a day of action.

9AM – 10AM : Action Hour, call your legislators
https://fb.me/e/1i7OF5oNc

12pm – 1pm: Action hour, take a selfie photo petition and post on twitter to push our legislators
https://fb.me/e/3lr4Lo33T

Our State Legislators’ Info

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

National Actions

Our Federal Legislators’ Info

Senator Elizabeth Warren: 617-565-3170
309 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
https://www.warren.senate.gov/contact/shareyouropinion

Senator Edward Markey: 617-565-8519
255 Dirksen Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
https://www.markey.senate.gov/contact/share-your-opinion

Representative Lori Trahan: 978-459-0101 / 202-225-3411
https://trahan.house.gov/contact/write-your-rep.htm

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

Visit the Solidarity Lowell website: http://solidaritylowell.com

For more events not listed here, visit the full Events calendar: https://solidaritylowell.com/events/

January meeting notes:
https://tinyurl.com/39mkh38f

January meeting recording:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JXXvIypE9Zc

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

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

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Solidarity Lowell is a chapter of Progressive Massachusetts. Click here to join: https://www.progressivemass.com/contribute

Jan

2022

Solidarity Lowell and Progressive Massachusetts Meetings THIS WEEKEND

Saturday

Progressive Mass 2022 Annual Member Meeting

Saturday, January 22, 1-4pm on Zoom

2022 is going to be an eventful year. Progressive Mass is kicking it off with their annual member meeting on Saturday, January 22. They will update us on their work from the past year as well as what’s in store for 2022. There will also be interviews with 2022 Gubernatorial and Lt. Gubernatorial candidates.

Gubernatorial candidates confirmed so far: Harvard professor Danielle Allen, State Sen. Sonia Chang-Diaz

LG candidates confirmed so far: Businessman Bret Bero, State Rep Dr. Tami Gouveia, State Sen. Adam Hinds

These interviews are going to be key because members will be voting on an endorsement shortly thereafter.

RSVP today! Zoom info upon RSVP.
https://tinyurl.com/mtb2jfdh

Sunday

Solidarity Lowell January General Meeting

Sunday January 23 at 5:30pm on Zoom

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83956839024?pwd=T1hYaHZYRlU4eXZWM1VnQWI3TkdDZz09
Meeting ID: 839 5683 9024
Passcode: 906589
Dial in: 301 715 8592 or 646 558 8656

This month we will hear from several local candidates running for State Rep in this year’s election. We will also have a chance to ask them questions.

Jan

2022

RAPID RESPONSE TEAM ACTION LIST FOR JAN 15, 2022

Solidarity Lowell Events and Actions

Save the Date: Solidarity Lowell January General Meeting

Sunday January 23 at 5:30pm, on Zoom
Topic: TBD

Other Events

MoveOn: The Plan to Protect Democracy

Tue 1/11 8pmET/5pmPT
RSVP: http://mvn.to/2xy/5u0idq

Join livestream w/ Elizabeth Warren & MoveOn ED Rahna Epting. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the webinar.
In 2022, we must prioritize:

Ending the filibuster
Protecting voting rights
Expanding the Supreme Court

We need your help to press our elected officials to support these steps to secure our democracy against Republicans’ attempts to entrench minority rule.

Via News-MAGIC

Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service Virtual Book Drive

Donate a book or two before January 31

Two options for donating books:

Visit the Amazon registry and search for “Lowell 2022 MLK Book Drive”
Drop off a gently used book at the “Little Free Library” on Bourne Street in Lowell’s Sacred Heart neighborhood

Donations end January 31, 2022. Books will go to Lowell community organizations, institutions and families.

Hosted by Lowell’s Black Coalition https://blacklowellcoalition.com

“Racial Justice and Communal Safety: Cultivating MLK’s Legacy” with distinguished guest speaker U.S. Attorney Rachael Rollins

Monday, January 17, 2022, 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM
via Zoom
Register for link: https://tinyurl.com/zser6zeb

20th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Tribute, hosted by Na’aseh the social justice group of Congregation Beth Elohim, Acton

The Black Alliance for Peace: Human Rights from an Anti-war and Anti-imperialist Perspective

Tuesday, January 18, 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm EST
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwscOCprzkvH9TBdgotV92ZdCAbdmrSMH3B

A webinar discussion with Ajamu Baraka, the National Organizer for the Black Alliance for Peace (BAP). BAP was founded on April 4, 2017, 50 years after Martin Luther King, Jr’s historic Riverside Church anti-war speech. Baraka stated then that BAP’s purpose is ” to recapture and redevelop the historic anti-war, anti-imperialist, and pro-peace positions of the radical black movement.”

h/t Susan Labandibar – News-MAGIC team

Learn more about S.2030/H.1905, An Act Establishing A [5-year] Jail and Prison Construction Moratorium

Thursday, January 20, 7pm
To register: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMlc-yppjgiHNf-SZUkZazf3GQUvgnA0L4Z

Speakers will discuss what this bill does and doesn’t do, how it would be implemented, and what it would mean for Massachusetts to invest $50 million into communities, instead of incarceration.

Via News-MAGIC

Progressive Mass 2022 Annual Member Meeting

Saturday, January 22, 1-4pm

Gubernatorial candidates confirmed so far: Harvard professor Danielle Allen, State Sen. Sonia Chang-Diaz

LG candidates confirmed so far: Businessman Bret Bero, State Rep Dr. Tami Gouveia, State Sen. Adam Hinds

These interviews are going to be key because members will be voting on an endorsement shortly thereafter.

RSVP today! Zoom info upon RSVP. https://tinyurl.com/mtb2jfdh

Climate Change and Nuclear War: What We Can Do About the Twin Existential Threats

Saturday, January 22, 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm EST
Group: Mass Peace Action
Registration link: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIpfuqgqz8jE92b1mFuTg8r4Lg3dFyop00T

The webinar will focus on how climate change increases the danger of nuclear war and how a nuclear war would cause further catastrophic climate disruption. This case study of South Asia will show the way the twin existential threats of climate and nuclear risks interact in a way that threatens us all. Solutions such as the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) and the Green New Deal that enable us to confront the threats will also be addressed.

State-Level Actions

MA Needs Bold, Equity-Centered Action on COVID

With the onset of a new COVID-19 variant, we are seeing a frightening rise in Covid-19 cases, including growing hospitalizations and deaths. We need decisive action and communication at the State level to prevent much more avoidable illness and death. Thankfully, we have a range of public health tools, including vaccines, that can reduce the spread of COVID-19 and enable us to have a safer New Year. Stopping the spread of COVID is essential to the safe and consistent functioning of our schools and businesses.

Please use your voice to support a comprehensive public health approach — along the lines of the Massachusetts Covid19 Action Plan delivered Last month, Senator Becca Rausch (D-Needham) and a dozen state legislative colleagues delivered to Governor Baker in a letter urging the adoption of a slate of data-driven public health policies set forth in a Massachusetts COVID-19 Action Plan, crafted and endorsed by a coalition of over 100 public health and medical professionals and 36 community organizations.

We need quick action from the Governor and the Legislature. This includes: Funding and staffing daily mobile vaccination clinics in frontline communities and school-based vaccine clinics Making testing widely available and distributing free rapid tests Implementing a county-based mask mandate according to CDC recommendations Providing free high-quality masks, like KF94, KN95, and N95, to frontline communities Applying safety standards in the workplace that mitigate aerosol transmission through ventilation and/or air filtration, appropriate distancing, and masking Applying and enforcing federal and state occupational safety standards and guidelines. Protecting against foreclosures, evictions, and rent increases to decrease home crowding using the measures in H.1434 and S.89 Adhering to CDC guidance for universal masking in schools regardless of vaccination status Making remote learning options available so infected or ill children do not get left behind.

Use this form to write:
https://actionnetwork.org/letters/ma-needs-bold-equity-centered-action-on-covid

Sign a Letter of Support for the Indigenous Legislative Agenda

The 2021-2022 Indigenous Legislative Agenda includes 5 priorities: Remove Racist Mascots, Honor Indigenous People’s Day, Celebrate and Teach Native American Culture & History, Protect Native American Heritage, and Support the Education and Futures of Native Youth. Join us in calling for each of these bills to move out of committee!

Sign here: https://actionnetwork.org/letters/move-our-bills-out-of-committee-before-the-deadline

Email your state rep today in support of the VOTES Act!

The House allowed the expiration of temporary reforms that made it safer to vote in the pandemic. Those reforms would also have ended disenfranchisement of people who find voting in person or on election day difficult or impossible. To restore those forms, the House needs to pass the VOTES act, which the Senate passed last summer.
https://actionnetwork.org/letters/we-need-to-strengthen-democracy-here-in-ma

Our State Legislators’ Info

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

National Actions

Our Federal Legislators’ Info

Senator Elizabeth Warren: 617-565-3170
309 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
https://www.warren.senate.gov/contact/shareyouropinion

Senator Edward Markey: 617-565-8519
255 Dirksen Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
https://www.markey.senate.gov/contact/share-your-opinion

Representative Lori Trahan: 978-459-0101 / 202-225-3411
https://trahan.house.gov/contact/write-your-rep.htm

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

Visit the Solidarity Lowell website: http://solidaritylowell.com

For more events not listed here, visit the full Events calendar: https://solidaritylowell.com/events/

November meeting notes: https://tinyurl.com/fxzzbnzw

November meeting recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQYfI7C4vdA

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

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

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Solidarity Lowell is a chapter of Progressive Massachusetts. Click here to join: https://www.progressivemass.com/contribute