Progressive Mass

2024 Ballot Question Info Session
2024-09-12 19:00 - 20:30 (America/New_York) | Zoom
2024 Ballot Question Info Session

Massachusetts voters will see at least five questions on the November ballot:

Question #1: Auditing the State Legislature
Question #2: Eliminating the use of the MCAS as a high school graduation requirement
Question #3: Enabling Uber and Lyft drivers to unionize
Question #4: Legalizing psychdelics
Question #5: Ending subminimum wages for tipped workers

Join us on Thursday, September 12, to learn more about the five questions and what they would do.

The Steward Crisis and the Future of Health Care in Massachusetts
2024-09-05 19:00 - 20:30 | Zoom
The Steward Crisis and the Future of Health Care in Massachusetts
The ongoing collapse of the Steward Health Care system came as a shock to many, with workers and patients stuck in limbo. However, this crisis is the culmination of longstanding forces and trends in the health care system in Massachusetts, in which financial extraction has increasingly taken precedence over the provision of care.
How did we get here, and, just as importantly, how do we chart a path out?
Moderator: Enid Eckstein, JP Progressives

Panelists:
Paul Hattis, Senior Fellow, Lown Institute
Katie Murphy, President, Massachusetts Nurses Association
Alan Sager, Professor, BU School of Public Health, Director of Health Reform Program
Bill Walczak, Founder, Codman Square Health Center, 42-year health care exec, Dorchester activist
Co-sponsored by Mass-Care

Yes on 5 Coalition Meeting
2024-08-14 15:00 - 16:00 | Zoom
YES on 5 Coalition Meeting
Join to learn ways to get involved with the Yes on 5 campaign this fall. Question 5 would ensure that all tipped workers get a full minimum wage.

Candidate Forum: 13th Norfolk District
2024-08-13 19:00 - 20:30 | Zoom
Candidate Forum: 13th Norfolk District
This event will be on Zoom. Please contact Becca Kornet (becca_kornet@yahoo.com).

Progressive Mass End-of-Session Legislative Update
2024-08-12 19:00 - 20:30 | Zoom
Progressive Mass End-of-Session Legislative Update
The formal 2023-2024 legislative session ended on July 31st for the Massachusetts State House with some important wins and a lot of unfinished business. At this legislative update, we’ll discuss the following:

What progressive victories should we celebrate?
What legislative failures need to be called out?
What happens next?

This event will be on Zoom.

Candidate Forum: Governor's Council District 2
2024-08-07 19:00 - 20:30 | Norfolk public library, 2 Liberty Lane, Norfolk, MA, 02056
Progressive Mass Western Norfolk County and area Democratic Town Committees host a forum of candidates in the District 2 Governor’s Council primary: Tamisha Civil, Muriel Kramer, and David Reservitz. Held at the Norfolk Public Library.

PWRR's annual summer potluck - July 30
2024-07-30 17:30 - 19:30 | Laura Gang’s house, Roslindale, MA, 02131
PWRR’s annual summer potluck – July 30
Join Progressive West Roxbury/Roslindale for their summer potluck.

Solidarity Lowell Summer Barbecue
2024-07-20 12:00 - 17:00 | 46 Carlisle Street, Lowell, 46 Carlisle Street, Lowell, MA
Solidarity Lowell Summer Barbecue
Saturday, July 20, 12-5pm
RSVP to: bit.ly/SL-BBQ-2024
More info: https://www.facebook.com/events/s/solidarity-lowell-summer-barbe/1502030957405871/
It’s time for the 7th annual Solidarity Lowell Potluck Summer Barbecue! The Coordinating Committee will provide burgers, hot dogs, vegetarian burgers and hot dogs, and rolls.
Park on both sides of the street. Please leave the spaces at the front of the house open for those with mobility challenges.
FYI this will happen rain or shine! We’re prepared to move inside the house if it’s too hot or it rains. We hope to see you there!

Climate Justice Can't Wait! Rally and March on Boston!
2024-07-14 13:00 - 15:00 | Boston Common Bandstand, 139 Tremont Street, Boston, MA, 021111, United States
Climate Justice Can’t Wait! Rally and March on Boston!
Join the MA Youth Climate Coalition and Mass Power Forward coalitions to push for our planet and justice!

Rally at the State House to #FreeHer
2024-07-10 12:00 - 14:00 | Massachusetts State House
Rally at the State House to #FreeHer
Join Families for Justice as Healing for a rally at the State House to Pass the Prison Moratorium and Elder Parole! We’re just weeks away from the end of the session, so we’re showing up at the State House together to demand the legislature takes immediate action to pass the FreeHer policy priorities. Join us for a speaking program, rally, and then we’ll go inside the state house to drop off our petition (tinyurl.com/stopsheriffs) to the Senate President and Speaker of the House. Thank you for joining us in this historic moment!

Bigger than Dobbs: Concord
2024-06-23 13:00 - 14:30 | First Parish in Concord, 20 Lexington Rd., Concord, MA
June 24th marks two years since the Supreme Court ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, which overturned Roe v. Wade and eliminated federal constitutional protections for abortion. As part of National Indivisible’s Weekend of Action, Concord Indivisible will join other Indivisibles across Massachusetts in hosting a Bigger than Dobbs rally on Sunday, June 23 at First Parish in Concord from 1:00 to 2:30 — rain or shine.
We seek to alert voters to the potential for a nationwide abortion ban and the end to many of our freedoms, as outlined in the Project 2025 manifesto promoted by the ultra-conservative Heritage Foundation. Abortion is just the “tip of the iceberg,” and Republicans are trying to “turn back the clock” with antiquated laws like the Comstock Act. Join us in the movement to save our democracy!
Co-sponsored by Progressive Mass Chapter, Indivisible LAB (Lexington, Arlington, Bedford)

Bigger than Dobbs Weekend of Action: Westford
2024-06-22 10:00 - 12:00 | Westford Town Common, Lincoln Street, Westford, MA
June 24th marks two years since the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade and federal constitutional protections for abortion. This weekend, Indivisible groups across the country are putting a spotlight on reproductive rights and MAGA extremism.
Westford standout co-sponsored by Progressive Mass Chapter Indivisible Westford.

Bigger Than Dobbs Weekend of Action: Franklin
2024-06-22 10:00 - 12:00
June 24th marks two years since the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade and federal constitutional protections for abortion. This weekend, Indivisible groups across the country are putting a spotlight on reproductive rights and MAGA extremism. The Franklin MA standout is being co-hosted by Progressive Mass Western Norfolk County.

6/20: Mass Power Forward Distributed Lobby Day
2024-06-20 11:00 - 17:00
6/20: Mass Power Forward Distributed Lobby Day

This Lobby Day is for Mass Power Forward Priorities only- please come prepared to lobby for Mass Power Forward priorities only. See our website if you have questions.

Virtual – Thursday, June 20th
Day of Agenda:
11AM – 12PM Kick Off – On Zoom
Throughout the day: prep time with your team, meetings with Reps and Senators
4:30 Closing and action for people with no meetings
RSVP here by June 6th

This is a DISTRIBUTED Lobby Day. Each district will decide if they want to meet in person in Boston at the statehouse, in district in person, or all on zoom.

Meetings are not guaranteed. Please consider taking on District Lead (to be the contact with your legislator, convene the constituents for preparation, and facilitate the Lobby Meeting).

We will host an Action Hour for participants without meetings to contact their legislators.
———————-
Trainings:

Required (will be recorded): Lobby Day Prep Training!
-Option 1: Thursday, June 6th 12pm – 1:30pm
-Option 2: Tuesday, June 11th 6:30pm – 8pm

JPP Membership Meeting & Pride Celebration
2024-06-18 19:00 - 21:00 | Drawdown Brewing, 3204 Washingston Street, Boston, MA
Please plan to join JP Progressives for our next meeting on June 18 at 7 PM. In honor of Pride, we’ll be meeting at Drawdown Brewing (if you’re not a drinker, they have root beer and seltzer as well).
We will be discussing our new membership format, which features a clearer structure and new ways to get involved. Please do join us — this is an important conversation and we want as many members as possible to come!

MA Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence Press Conference
2024-06-18 11:30 - 13:00 | Massachusetts State House
6/18: MA Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence Press Conference

Join us on Tuesday, June 18th for a press conference marking gun violence awareness month. Join the MA Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence along with our partners Giffords, Everytown, and Stop Handgun Violence as we highlight the urgent need for action to prevent gun violence.
Speakers will include Former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords.
Join us in State House room 428 at 11:45 on June 18th.
Please wear an orange Coalition t-shirt if you have one!

Solidarity Lowell: Mill City Messaging
2024-06-13 18:00 - 20:00 | lala books lowell, 189 Market St., Lowell, MA
Join Solidarity Lowell at our next postcarding event, hosted by our friends at Lala Books. Come join fellow activists, as we write postcards in support of our newly endorsed candidate for State Representative of the 18th Middlesex District Tara Hong. Bring your own refreshments, favorite pen, and good conversation!
Note: If you are able, a suggested donation of $15 to go towards supplies is appreciated, but not mandatory.
For questions or to RSVP, please email amy@solidaritylowell.com so we can be sure to have enough materials on hand.

6/11: Common Start Lobby Day
2024-06-11 10:00 - 12:00 | Massachusetts State House
6/11: Common Start Lobby Day
Please join the Common Start Coalition for a lobby day to advocate for Common Start priorities in the FY25 budget!
Date: Tuesday, June 11
Time: 10am to 12pm
Location: Room 428 in the Massachusetts State House
Address: 24 Beacon St, Boston, MA 02133

6/8: All Out for OFW and Pride
2024-06-08 10:00 - 13:00 | Freedom Trail, Boston
Saturday, 6/8: All Out for OFW and Pride

Join us as we gather signatures and celebrate those in the LGBTQ Community who are sub minimum wage workers and deserve minimum wages plust tips on top.
We know all justice ties into economic justice and is all of our jobs to bring better living conditions to all people regardless of their gender, background or place of birth
We will also be hosting a training virtually on Thursday May 30th and finalizing organizing roles for mor info and participating on leading this effort email estefania@onefaiwage.org

6/2: Activist Afternoons
2024-06-02 16:00 - 18:00 | St. James’s Episcopal Church conference space, 1991 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA, 02140, United States
Activist Afternoons
Join fellow activists in making calls to get people to contact their legislators on important housing, environmental justice, and climate legislation.
We’ll provide you with a training and a script. All you need to bring are yourself, your laptop, a headset (if you want), and a good attitude.
RSVP here.

The Unconvention: Uniting Progressive Activists for Change
2024-06-02 14:00 - 16:00 | Zoom
Sunday, June 2: The Unconvention: Uniting Progressive Activists for Change

Progressive activists inside and outside of the Democratic Party have decided to issue invitations to a Democratic “Unconvention” to take place virtually on Sunday afternoon, June 2nd from 2pm – 4pm.
Robert Kuttner, professor, journalist, and author of “The Massachusetts Blues,” published in “American Prospect” a magazine he co-founded, will be the keynote speaker who will explain his analysis of why the popular progressive policies being passed in many other “Blue” states are not being implemented here in Massachusetts.
We will also have Danielle Allen, a previous gubernatorial candidate, to briefly address the assembly regarding Democracy Reform and opening up the process for candidates to run for elected office. We will have breakout sessions that will be facilitated by leaders in the field.

5/29: Abundant Housing Mass Lobby Day
2024-05-29 10:00 - 14:00 | Massachusetts State House
Abundant Housing Mass Lobby Day
Date: Wednesday, May 29, 10 am to 2 pm
Location: Massachusetts State House
RSVP here
The countdown begins to AHMA’s first ever lobby Day. The AHMA team has been excitingly curating a day filled with legislative advocacy, engaging speakers, storytelling, free food, and more! We can’t wait to see the steps of Beacon Hill filled with pro-housing advocates across the state wearing AHMA swag. While supplies last, we’ll also be handing out FREE copies of Richard Rothstein’s Color of Law sequel: Just Action: How to challenge segregation enacted under the color of law.
Introducing our Guest Speakers:

Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll
Secretary of Housing and Livable Communities Ed Augustus
Senator Brendan P. Crighton
Raul Fernandez- Executive Director, Brookline for Racial Justice and Equity
Cobi Frongillo- Town Councilor, Franklin
Cathy Mercado- Executive Director, Merrimack Valley Housing Partnership
Becca Schofield- Co-Chair, A Better Cambridge

We are thrilled to reveal our tentative schedule for Lobby Day, May 29th:
9:45am -10 am : Check-in & AHMA Swag pick-up
10am – 10:45am: Rally & Guest Speakers (Surprise Local Pro-Housing Change Agents)
11:30 am – 2pm: Meetings with Legislators
12pm: FREE Lunch served in Room TBA (Gluten free, Vegan, & Vegetarian options available)
Debates around the housing crisis, our severe housing shortage, and skyrocketing home prices have dominated Beacon Hill in recent years. It is our turn to voice our pro-housing concerns and emphasize the need for affordable, abundant housing in Massachusetts. Join AHMA to rally for more homes on May 29th!

5/23: Site With Love - Transition is certain, justice is not.
2024-05-23 17:00 - 18:30
Site With Love – Transition is certain, justice is not.
Date: Thursday, May 23
Time: 5 pm to 6:30 pm
WHERE: virtual
RSVP: https://actionnetwork.org/events/site-with-love-transition-is-certain-justice-is-not

The MA Environmental Justice Legislative Table invites you to join us in a vision for justice. All too often we see public policy driven by fear and scarcity- yet as our planet is transformed by climate change, we have the opportunity to move towards justice. This webinar invites allies to connect, to learn and ultimately take action in solidarity with Environmental Justice communities both long-term and short-term for siting justice this legislative session.

5/21: Mass Power Forward Rallies for Climate Justice
2024-05-21 11:00 - 17:00
5/21: Mass Power Forward Rallies for Climate Justice
The Legislative Session will be ending in just over two months. That’s why Mass Power Forward is hosting some noise making actions across the state. Find an event near you!

5/19: Solidarity Lowell May 2024 General Meeting
2024-05-19 17:30 - 19:30 | Christ Church United Dracut, 10 Arlington St, Dracut, MA
Solidarity Lowell May 2024 General Meeting
Date: Sunday, May 19
Time: 3 pm to 5 pm
Location: 10 Arlington Street, Dracut
Join Solidarity Lowell’s monthly meeting and learn about the work of the new coalition Organizing For Housing Justice.

5/19: Indivisible Acton - Celebrate Our Activist Community
2024-05-19 16:00 - 18:00 | Nara Park, 25 Ledge Way, Acton, MA
5/19: Indivisible Acton – Celebrate Our Activist Community
Date: Sunday, May 19
Time: 4:00 pm
Location: Nara Park (25 Ledge Rock Way, Acton)
RSVP here
We are excited to get everyone together in person to catch up. Food, Raffle Prizes and Friends!
Indivisible Acton Area is providing entrees and beverages (non-alcoholic, beer and wine)
Please bring a side dish OR dessert to share.
Rain or shine, there is a covered pavilion! We have the whole pavilion so plenty of room to spread out.
New: Face painting for the whole family!
Please let us know you’re coming so we can plan food and drinks.

5/19: Activist Afternoons
2024-05-19 16:00 - 18:00 | St. James’s Episcopal Church conference space, 1991 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA, 02140, United States

5/19: Progressive Needham Early Education and Child Care Discussion
2024-05-19 15:00 - 17:00 | Needham Public Library, 1139 Highland Avenue, Needham, MA, 02494
Progressive Needham Early Education and Child Care Discussion
Date: Sunday, May 19
Time: 3 pm
Location: Needham Public Library (1139 Highland Ave)
RSVP: https://forms.gle/s8uq9nE2kQ4D9Qn87
Progressive Needham invites you to join us for a panel discussion followed by audience questions on Sunday May 19 at 3 PM at the Needham Public
Library.
Quality affordable early education and childcare is critical to Massachusetts families and to our economy. Having more high quality, affordable care will allow tens of thousands of parents an opportunity to join the workforce and give their children a higher level of care. This is a win-win-win: our economy does better, parents can choose to work outside the home, and children will get educational enrichments that will last a lifetime.
Legislators in cooperation with the Common Start Coalition have developed a long-term plan to improve the early education and childcare infrastructure in Massachusetts. Join us on the 19th to get up to speed on what is working and what is yet to be
accomplished.
Panelists:

Senator Becca Rausch on the legislation at the State House
Ellen Dietrick, Senior Director of Learning and Engagement at Temple Beth Shalom, on childcare programs
Gena Frank, Political and Legislative Director of SEIU Local 509, on funding for childcare and early education infrastructure
Parents, on what the legislation means to them

5/18: Massachusetts Education Justice Alliance Statewide Convening
2024-05-18 08:30 - 16:00 | Worcester Technl High School, 1 Officer Manny Familia Way, Worcester, MA, 01605
5/18: Massachusetts Education Justice Alliance Statewide Convening
Date: Saturday, May 18
Time: 8:30 am to 4 pm
Location:
https://bit.ly/2024edjustice

To win for all of the students, families, educators, and public schools and colleges, we must continue to build collective power and sustain the movement!
This convening is a space for parents/caregivers, educators, students, and community activists to come together to:

share ideas, skills, lessons, strategy and inspiration;
learn how to build power and sustain our work for transformative change;
strengthen relationships to advance the movement; and,
amplify the local and state K-12 and higher education issues that impact our students and communities.

5/16: Progressive Mass Lobby Day
2024-05-16 10:00 - 12:00 | State House, Room 428, 24 Beacon St, Boston, 02133, United States
Thursday, May 16: Progressive Mass Lobby Day

Join fellow activists from across the Commonwealth to build momentum for key progressive priorities on Beacon Hill! RSVP here.
