RESOURCES
Grassroots Organizing
We track grassroots organizing initiatives and campaigns the community is rallying around in order to promote opportunities to learn about and get involved in advocacy on issues that impact the lives of families and children in our community.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Consortium of Lowell - Lowell Alliance is a member of the DEI Consortium, formed in 2019 to dismantle racism, amplify unheard voices and lead impactful action for a just and equitable Lowell. The Consortium has advocated for the HR Audit and most recently, that the City Council designate Racism a Public Health Crisis. The petition was signed by nearly 2000 people - residents, business owners, and nonprofit leaders.
Contact DEI.lowell.ma@google.com and/or follow DEI’s FB page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/278757079877967/?epa=SEARCH_BOX
Lowell Education Justice Alliance - Works with the Massachusetts Education Justice Alliance, the United Teachers of Lowell, and parent advocates. Advocated in 2018-2019 for updates to the Foundation Budget (Chapter 70) funding determinations, as well as local issues around recess policies and high stakes testing. LEJA Saw success in late 2019 with the passing of the Student Opportunity Act, which will bring 1.5 Billion into MA schools. With the immense challenges of the Covid-19 virus, LEJA followed and advocated for student and family needs during the distance learning and is involved in conversations and efforts with the return to school.
For more information or to get involved, contact lowelleducationjusticealliance@gmail.com.
Merrimack Valley Project: Regional interfaith organizing in Lowell, Lawrence, Andover and Haverhill. https://www.merrimackvalleyproject.org/
Driving Families Forward - AKA the Work and Family Mobility Act which would enable all qualified state residents to apply for a standard Massachusetts driver’s license, regardless of immigrant status, while keeping our Commonwealth in full compliance with REAL ID requirements. The Safe Communities Act would end the entanglement of police and courts in immigration enforcement. In a pandemic, everyone needs to feel safe seeking help or medical care!
Resident and System of Care (SoC) Services Advocates - Local support helped push for the SNAP Gap campaign in 2019. The implementation of this is still under deliberation. This campaign has been supported by Massachusetts Legal Reform Institute and the Massachusetts Chapter of the National Coalition of Social Workers.
What a Difference a DA Makes - Led by the ACLU of Massachusetts, this campaign aims to educate voters that the District Attorney’s seat is among the most powerful in respect to addressing disparities in how communities of color are disproportionately impacted by the criminal legal system. Here is a video explaining more. 350 MA of Greater Lowell - With COVID-19 recovery planning under way, we want to see environmental racism be a thing of the past, and to move to a clean and just energy future for workers, minority communities, and future generations. Advocated for Community Choice Aggregation in 2018-2019 which vastly increases our city’s clean energy options, bringing Lowell to the second best in this category in the state. Currently tracking statewide campaigns and collaborating with Lawrence’s Pueblo Verde for a clean transition away from fossil fuels after the gas explosions in 2018.