Solidarity Lowell

Pro ROE Rally
2019-06-09 18:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York)
Please join us for a peaceful rally to support basic health care for all! With the U.S. Supreme Court poised to gut Roe v. Wade, Massachusetts must dismantle barriers to care and reform state laws to protect reproductive freedom. Every person has the right to pursue the life they want, including the right to decide if and when to become a parent — without politicians interfering.
Abortion is health care — and health care is a fundamental right.

Lowell Talks: Working for Climate Justice
2019-06-09 14:00 - 15:30
Who is leading the fight today for bread, roses, and sustainability, too? This Lowell Talks will feature an expert who works at the intersection of labor organizing and environmental justice, Dr. Todd Vachon. Throughout the conversation, we will consider the connections between labor politics and climate change as well as the prospect of the green new deal. Free and open to all.
Dr. Todd E. Vachon is a PhD Postdoctoral Scholar at Rutgers University and a National Steering Committee Member with the Labor Network for Sustainability.
This free program is hosted at the Boott Cotton Mills Museum (115 John Street). Free parking is located at 304 Dutton Street, a 10 minute walk from the museum. On Sundays street parking is also free in metered spaces.
About Lowell Talks:
Join Lowell National Historical Park for Lowell Talks, a series of community conversations on a wide range of historical and contemporary topics. The series will connect historical perspectives and unique insights from Lowell’s history with today’s political and social issues.

Lowell River Cleanup Day
2019-06-09 09:00 - 16:00
We’re joining forces with the UMass Lowell Kayak Center, Office of Sustainability, Climate Change Coalition, Merrimack Valley Sierra Club and other local environmentally minded organizations and individuals to clean up the Merrimack River that we all enjoy! Join us for a fun, community building, service event. Included in registration are snacks and refreshments and boat rental for the cleanup session. For details and sign-up visit:
https://www.uml.edu/CampusRecreation/Kayak-Center/Programs/river-cleanup-day.aspx

Playing for the Planet: World Music Against Climate Change
2019-06-08 19:00 - 22:30
Playing for the Planet: World Music Against Climate Change: Featured performers include virtuoso multi-instrumentalist Lloyd Thayer, the Swedish/Celtic duo stylings of Sunniva Brynnel and Yaniv Yacoby, and the brilliant young Hindustani vocalist Samarth Nagarkar. RSVP and buy tickets here. Sat, Jun 8, 7pm-10:30 pm, Community Church of Boston, 565 Boylston Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02116

Hair Tales: Stories of Black Hair-i-Tage
2019-06-08 19:00 - 21:00
“Hair Tales: Stories of Black Hair-i-Tage” is an original staged reading written by Christa Brown and developed by the Free Soil Arts Collective, a program proudly supported by funds from the Greater Lowell Community Foundation. This artistic work details the personal stories of five black women and the complex relationships with their hair. Join us as we explore issues surrounding identity, the KINKS of self-acceptance, and how to embrace the CROWNS that we are given as black women. Through each woman’s individual story, we go on a journey towards understanding the importance of defining who you are for yourself.
Cast:
Kesiah Bascom
Christa Brown
Naychelle Gandia
Maritza Grooms
Masada Jones

CMAA Fashion Show 2019
2019-06-08 18:00 - 21:00
It’s coming back. CMAA is excited to bring back the fashion event of the year. Please mark your calendar for Saturday, June 8, 2019 to witness never before seen models straight from our community.
SPONSORSHIP LEVELS:
$5,000 – Haute Couture
$2,500 – Vogue
$1,000 – Trendsetter
$500 – Friend
TICKETS:
$50 – General Admission
$35 – Senior & Student
$500 – Table of 10
Online tickets and sponsorship available via MKtix at:
www.mktix.com/cmaa
Paper sponsorship forms available on our website at:
www.cmaalowell.org/wp/fashionshow2019
#cmaafashionshow2019

Acrefest and Resource Fair
2019-06-08 12:00 - 16:00
Join ACTION-Acre Coming Together Improving Our Neighborhood and Coalition for A Better Acre for our annual celebration of the Acre and resource fair!

Massachusetts Native Peoples Working Group
2019-06-08 10:00 - 13:00
The Massachusetts Native Peoples Working Group will meet again on June 8, 2019 to continue strategizing around protecting and recognizing the rights of native peoples in Massachusetts. A list of topics to be discussed include:
· Update and strategize on the native mascot bill and other related bills pending before the legislature;
· Recognition of native nations by the Commonwealth;
· Engagement with the Commonwealth to address the human rights of native peoples in Massachusetts.
All are welcome and encouraged to attend.

Event Details:
Date: Saturday, June 8, 2019
Time: 10AM to 1PM (lunch provided)
Place: 150 Mount Vernon Street, Dorchester
Fourth Floor, Room 454
Corcoran Jennison Building/Bayside Office Building
(beside the Doubletree Hotel)

Boston Pride Parade 2019
2019-06-08 08:00 - 17:00
For almost 50 years City of Boston Pride Parade is taking place on a Saturday in June. This annual event highlights both the celebratory and activist origins of the parade. A rainbow flag is carried up Beacon Street and numerous events dedicated to the LGBT community, both officially affiliated with Boston Pride and not official, take place all over Boston area from the moment the rainbow flag appears at City Hall Plaza. When the parade finishes near City Hall, all of its participants join festivities at Pride Festival and Concert.
The Pride Festival begins by City Hall at around 11 a.m., while the Pride Parade starts from the Back Bay’s Copley Square around noon and finishes at City Hall. Copley gets filled with colorful participants and wonderful floats. It’s a great spot to observe how the parade kicks off. If you plan to catch it farther down the route, 12:30 p.m. is a good timing.
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1OTTQFlTDbnQbOxwXK1b4s8MPSJXRUnhd&usp=sharing

Emergency Meet for Climate Justice—Dance and Discussion
2019-06-06 19:00 - 21:00
Emergency Meet for Climate Justice—Dance and Discussion: Join the Sustainable Solutions Lab at UMass Boston and the José Mateo Ballet Theater for an evening of dance and discussion about climate justice. The dance performances will be complimented by a panel of local climate justice experts and a community discussion. Learn more and register here. Thu, Jun 6, 7-9 pm, José Mateo Ballet Theatre, 400 Harvard St, Cambridge.

Election Day Registration (EDR) Lobby Day
2019-06-05 10:00 - 12:00
oin us at the Statehouse: https://bit.ly/2YEWBth
Every election, Massachusetts disenfranchises thousands of its own citizens by denying eligible voters the ability to register or update their information on Election Day.
Two out of three of those prevented from casting a ballot are actually registered but rendered ineligible because their registration contains simple and fixable errors.
EDR is a basic reform with a 40-year proven record that has allowed millions of voters across 20 states that have implemented it, to cast a ballot by registering or updating their registration to vote on election day.
Join us at the State House on June 5th (from 10-12) to take the next great step in voting rights for Massachusetts!
Sign up here: https://bit.ly/2YEWBth
Schedule:
10 AM – Room 428 State House, Briefing and lobbying assignments
11AM – Meetings with Representatives (we will arrange these meetings)
11:30 AM – Meetings with Senators (we will arrange these meetings)
Noon – Conclusion and reporting back on your meetings

Merrimack River Evolution
2019-06-04 19:00 - 20:30
Join the MRWC’s Outreach Specialist John Macone for a slideshow walk through the evolution of the Merrimack River — from its turbulent emergence from the Ice Ages, to its important role as a center for human transportation, commerce and industry, and finally to the decades-long efforts to clean it up You are sure to learn something new and fascinating about the Merrimack!

Lobby Day for the Safe Communities Act
2019-06-04 11:00 - 14:00
When immigrant rights are under attack, what do we do? Stand up, fight back!
The Safe Communities Act (S.1401/H.3573) will create a stronger Commonwealth by protecting immigrants’ rights and keeping law enforcement focused on public safety. Join us for an exciting lobby day to push our legislators forward on this bill.
Even if your legislator is an SCA co-sponsor, they still need to hear from you to keep this bill a priority. We’ll start together with an overview of the SCA and how it would help our state, then split up to meet with our legislators and share our urgency with them. All are welcome, young or old!
Please share with your networks; those not on Facebook can sign up via this Google doc:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1hNdAxPyAA6T-EzTMhMMwVmJ37V4qS80vHvagxM3daW4/edit

Immigrant Rights Committee and Potluck Event Planning Meeting
2019-06-03 18:30 - 20:00
Planning the potluck event in conjunction with Welcoming Week Lowell 2019, and strategizing about networking with other immigrant communities.
We are going back to meeting the first Monday of the month, seems to work best with most people.
Agenda TBD
Bring guests, all are welcome.

Crime Gun Trace Data Bill Lobby Day with March For Our Lives
2019-06-03 14:00 - 16:00
Join us Monday, June 3, 2019 at 2:00 PM in Room 428 at the State House to support March For Our Lives: Boston as they lobby for passage of S.1388/H.2045, An Act Relative to Crime Gun Data Reporting and Analysis. We will hear from the chief sponsors of the bill-Sen. Cindy Creem and Rep. Marjorie Decker as well as allies. Haven’t lobbied before? We will show you how! #FollowTheGuns Register here: http://bit.ly/June3LobbyDay

2019 Amplify Conference: Claiming Our Power
2019-06-01 13:30 - 19:00
About the Conference:
We invite you to join us for the 3rd Amplify Conference: Claiming Our Power on June 1, 2019. On this day, we will come together and join forces with Latinx leaders from diverse sectors, Latinx-led community organizations and power-building groups from across Massachusetts. This is an opportunity to build new relationships, strengthen existing partnerships and develop the Latinx Power Coalition for the Commonwealth and beyond. As the Latinx population in Massachusetts continues to grow and drive our economy, Latinx leadership is lagging behind. Bold action and structural change are crucial to claim our power and have a voice in decision making impacting the Latinx community.
What To Expect:
The Amplify Conference will convene over 350 Latinx leaders across multiple sectors, including political leaders, community organizers, business executives, cultural leaders and the artistic community to recognize our Latinx elected leaders and develop an understanding of the State of the Latinx Community in Massachusetts. Through our keynote speakers, Firestarter storytellers, interactive workshops, and closing social reception, participants will build powerful partnerships and relationships that amplify our work.
During this convening we will begin to:
BUILD a sustainable coalition of Latinx leaders and organizations that support our Amplify Latinx mission of increasing Latino civic engagement, leadership representation, and economic opportunity;
DEVELOP a diverse leadership pipeline who will challenge the status quo and advance the priority issues of the Amplify Latinx coalition;
IDENTIFY key policy issues for the Massachusetts Latino community that will become part of an Amplify Latinx shared policy agenda for Latino upward mobility.
Agenda
1:30 – 2:00 Registration and Networking
2:00 – 3:30 Opening Program: Keynote and Firestarters
3:45 – 5:00 Partner Breakout Sessions
5:15 – 6:00 Closing Keynote Session
6:00 – 7:00 Networking Reception
*Speakers and Workshops to be announced
About Amplify Latinx:
Amplify Latinx is a non-partisan, collaborative convener that builds Latinx economic and political power by significantly increasing Latinx civic engagement and representation in leadership positions across sectors. Amplify Latinx was founded by The Latina Circle, a Boston-based social venture founded in 2012 that is advancing Latina leaders across industries into positions of power and influence.

Greater Lowell PRIDE Festival
2019-06-01 12:30 - 16:00
Join us for live entertainment, yummy food, fabulous vendors and more!

Grecian Festival '19
2019-05-31 11:00 - 13:00
Come experience the best of Greek food, dancing, shopping, and culture and discover the rich traditions of the Orthodox Christian Faith. Kid-friendly activities, guided church tours, raffle prizes, live music, and more. Free admission and ample free parking. Invite your friends and join the fun!
Friday, May 31 | 11am-10pm
Saturday, June 1 | 11am-11pm
For more information, please visit www.transchurch.org or email info@transchurch.org.

Greater Lowell PRIDE Flag Raising
2019-05-31 11:00 - 13:00

25 Years of Labor Education from Lowell to Lynn
2019-05-30 17:30 - 20:00
Join the UMass Lowell Labor Education Program for a 25-year anniversary celebration of our program’s work on campus and in the labor community in the Merrimack Valley and Northeast Massachusetts.
Celebrate and honor Program Director Susan Winning on her retirement!
Featuring hors d’oeuvres, live music, and a cash bar
**To reserve tickets and order ads, please contact Elizabeth Pellerito at 978-934-3137 or elizabeth_pellerito@uml.edu.**
Tickets and Sponsorship:
$1000: Full-page ad in inside front or back program cover plus 4 tickets
$500: Full-page ad plus 4 tickets
$250: Half-page ad plus 2 tickets
$125: Quarter-page ad
$300: Full table (8 tickets)
$40: Single ticket

No Bans, No Barriers: ROE Act Lobby Action
2019-05-30 11:30 - 14:00
No Bans, No Barriers: ROE Act Lobby Action

When: Thursday, May 30th from 11:30 AM – 2PM , Where: The MA State House (Room 222) and District Offices Near You! What: Lobby Legislators in person about the ROE Act Why: Because we have a critical opportunity to expand and protect abortion access in MA NOW!

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdqQCV1NaPPY0U_SmHXbmmtUN0ymnbi66j7AOL8JM-hjv_J6A/viewform?fbclid=IwAR3naaeAUcBrC6_XojaJPN8inzo_G9oGNYFRM0ri4jcnPzOn7u96ZOMau3M

Lowell's 16th Annual Refugee and Immigrant Conference
2019-05-30 08:30 - 15:00
You must register for tickets here: https://16thannualrefugeeimmigrantconf.eventzilla.net/web/event?eventid=2138745829
This year’s theme: “Global Trends and Local Integration”
Keynote Speaker:
Saida Abdi, LICSW, MSW., M.A., is the Director of Community Relations at the Boston Children’s Hospital Refugee Trauma and Resilience Center, a clinical social worker, and expert in refugee trauma and resilience. She holds a Master’s degree in Social Work from Boston University and another Master’s degree in Communications from Carleton University and is currently pursuing her PhD at Boston University. She is a native of Somalia and a former refugee herself. Ms. Abdi has worked for more than 20 years in the area of refugee youth and families, developing school-based programs to support adjustment of refugee youth in resettlement and community-based research and intervention. For the past 8 years, she has worked at the Boston Children’s Hospital Refugee Trauma and Resilience Center as a part of SAMHSA funded project to develop and implement refugee mental health interventions. She has organized trainings on the issue of promoting resilience and reducing risk behaviors among refugee youth for educators, policy-makers, clinicians and community leaders. She is trained in Trauma System’s Therapy and is an expert in building culturally responsive interventions.
Academic Panel on Migration:
Robert Forrant: Dr. Forrant is a professor in the History Department at the University of Massachusetts Lowell, teaching courses on global labor issues, labor history, immigration, and international development. He is director of the department’s graduate program. He has been a consultant to the United Nations Industrial Development Organization, the International Labour Organization, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, the International Metalworkers Federation, and several trade unions. His research activities have been funded by, among others: the International Metalworkers Federation, the International Labour Organization, the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, the Russell Sage Foundation, the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the cities of Lowell and Leominister, Massachusetts. Professor Forrant is the editor of three volumes on sustainable regional development, the author of numerous published articles and reports and a forthcoming book on industrial development and decline in the Connecticut River Valley and New England.
Yvonne Ruiz: Dr. Yvonne Ruiz has a Ph.D in Applied Developmental and Educational Psychology (2002) and a Master of Social Work (1994) both from Boston College. She graduated from New York University with an MA in media studies in 1981 and Syracuse University with a BA in English literature in 1979. She holds licensure as a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW). She has been in the Boston area since 1991 and has clinical experience in medical social work, community mental health, and behavioral health.
Breakout Sessions (participants may select two to attend at check-in):
Breakout #1: Presenter TBA, Gateway for Growth – Lowell’s Immigrant Integration Planning Process
Breakout #2: Presenter Sarang Sekhavat, Massachusetts Immigration and Refugee Advocacy Coalition (MIRA) on Immigration Policy and Advocacy this past year and looking ahead.
Breakout #3: Barbara Dunsford, Meditation/Mindfulness
Breakout #4: TBA, International Institute of New England’s Resettlement and Integration
Breakout #5: Economics and Entrepreneurship:
Frankie Descoteaux, CTI Merrimack Valley Small Business Center
TBA, Chamber of Commerce and Workforce Development
Lianna Sachiyo Kushi, E for All
Bora Chamroeun and Ani Vong, Business Owners
In lieu of a registration fee, please bring a Target, Walmart, Market Basket gift card or monetary donation in any denomination to help support refugee families.
Refreshments and lunch provided. Parking available at Lower Locks Garage on 90 Warren St., Lowell, MA 01852
Organized by: Lowell Public Schools, Middlesex Community College, International Institute of New England, Lowell Alliance, Lowell YWCA, Saydanar Community Development Center, The African Community Center of Lowell, Lowell Community Health Center, The New American Center, The Office of Congresswoman Lori Trahan, and Lowell Police Department

Naturalization Ceremony
2019-05-29 09:30 - 13:30
Welcome new citizens in a naturalization ceremony, a pivotal milestone in the naturalization process. Guests will watch as immigrants become new U.S. citizens.
9:30 A.M. Doors Open
12:00 P.M. Ceremony
1:00 P.M. End of Ceremony

Drag Bingo for The Lowell Kinetic Sculpture Race
2019-05-28 19:00 - 21:00
Not your Grandmas Bingo
A Fun Night Out to Help Charity with EmmaBitch calling the Balls
Come out and play Bingo with an Adult Twist and win Fun Prizes
(No purchase necessary)
Balls drop at 7 PM
Make sure to stop by early and satisfy your hangry.
Full dinner Menu available
Use the code words ‘Pub Trivia’ to enjoy our buy-one-get-one half off appetizer special from 5-7 pm.
This Months beneficiary is The Lowell Kinetic Sculpture Race

Voter Choice MA Greater Lowell Monthly Meeting
2019-05-23 19:00 - 20:30
Want to get involved with the movement for Ranked Choice Voting? Join us at the Billerica Library as we plan for an exciting month of action in the Greater Lowell Area! Bring a friend and help us make RCV a reality in MA!
Find out more: https://www.voterchoicema.org/greater_lowell_chapter_meeting_may23

Women’s Advocacy Day at the MA State House
2019-05-21 17:00 - 20:00
Women’s Advocacy Day at the MA State House organized by The Massachusetts State Commission on the Status of Women (MCSW).
Join us on Tuesday, May 21, 2019 at the Great Hall of the Massachusetts State House for our 2019 Women’s Advocacy Day. Hear from elected officials and MSCW Commissioners, visit state Legislators, and make your voice heard!

May Jericho Walk At Burlington ICE Office
2019-05-21 13:00 - 14:00
Join us for our monthly Jericho Walk at the ICE office in Burlington, MA.
The Jericho Walk is a silent interfaith prayer and act of solidarity. The walk draws inspiration from the Battle of Jericho, in which the community marched around the city of Jericho seven times, causing the city walls to fall. The Jericho Walk of today is a silent, peaceful, and prayerful walk to bring down the walls of our unjust immigration system and is open to people of all or no faiths.
Please bring signs calling for just treatment of those who are caught in our broken immigration system, suggested messages “Keep Families Together”, “No Family Separation”, “Not One More/Ni Una Mas”, “Not In Our Name”. Please refrain from signs explicitly endorsing or condemning any political candidate or official.
We will walk, pray and sing together.
We will gather in front of the office, along District Ave, just look for the people holding signs.
This event will take place unless there is extreme weather.

Solidarity Lowell May Meeting (Public event)
2019-05-19 17:30 - 19:00
Join us for the monthly general meeting of Solidarity Lowell!
Featuring:
–Cambodian National Rescue Party (CNRP)
–Group updates and announcements
–Update from subcommittees
…and more!
All are welcome! Hope to see you there!

Lowell Talks—Working for Climate Justice
2019-05-18 08:00 - 17:00
Lowell Talks—Working for Climate Justice: Who is leading the fight today for bread, roses, and sustainability, too? Dr. Todd Vachon, a PhD Postdoctoral Scholar at Rutgers and a National Steering Committee Member with the Labor Network for Sustainability, will discuss the connections between labor politics and climate change as well as the prospect of the Green New Deal. See the Facebook event. Sun, Jun 9, 2-3:30 pm, Boott Cotton Mills Museum, 115 John St, Lowell.

Fund Our Future Day of Action at the State House
2019-05-16 13:00 - 17:00
Help make our presence known at the State House prior to the 5 p.m. #FundOurFuture rally. This is a great opportunity to let your state rep and senator know how important it is that they take action to pass our two key education funding bills, the Promise Act and the Cherish Act, this year. A variety of activities are being planned including legislative visits, a children’s action and a march. Lunch will be served.
