Dear Democrats,
The movement for full, transformative action to address institutional racism in the criminal justice system continues to grow across the country. Protests are being organized in the biggest cities and the smallest towns demanding justice, accountability, and structural change. As many of you attend protests happening this weekend, there are some things you should keep in mind for your own safety and the safety of others:
- Practice good hygiene. COVID-19 has already disproportionately affected communities of color, so remember to wear a mask and practice good hygiene when protesting and practice social distancing if you can.
- Eat and drink plenty of water beforehand. It’s probably going to be a long and emotionally draining day, so eat a well balanced meal and hydrate.
- Write down emergency contact information and stash it in your pocket or backpack. It’s always a possibility that your phone might be lost, dead, or taken, so don’t rely on it.
- Know your rights before you head out to protest. The First Amendment protects your right to assemble and express your views, but it comes with risks. Check out the ACLUs videos on how to keep yourself and your devices safe.
- Never share photos where protestors are clearly identifiable. Blur faces, tattoos, or other identifying features to protect their privacy and keep them from being targeted by people unsympathetic to the cause.
Black Lives Matter has created a Healing Justice and Direct Action Toolkit for activists and organizers participating and planning protests. If you’re an ally, remember that you should take on a supportive role. Center and amplify Black voices. Be careful not to talk over Black speakers and always use your privilege to further the cause.
As always, send your events to events@massdems.org and have a safe and healthy weekend.
All the best,
Allison Mitchell
MassDems Communications Manager
Ideas for Committees
If there’s a protest happening in your city or town, think about how your committee can be helpful beyond attending. Reach out to the organizers, see what they need, and think about your members’ strengths and the role they should play. Can you donate food or water? Buy medical supplies? Provide a sound system? Make signs? Be on stand-by for rides to and from? You can also view more actions to take at massdems.org.
Event details:
6/12/2020 Climate Virtual Town Hall with Alan Khazei, MA-04 Candidate
Friday, June 12, 6 PM
Remote
RSVP: tinyurl.com/KhazeiClimateTownHall; Guest speakers: State Senator Marc Pacheco, and Sunrise Movement National Spokesperson Saya Ameli Hajebi
*6/13/2020 Cohasset Democratic Town Committee Meeting*
Saturday, June 13, 9 AM
Remote
RSVP: https://cohassetdems.org/events/2020/6/13/june-committee-meeting; members and non-members welcome
6/13/2020 Grafton Dems Virtual Coffee Hour
Saturday, June 13, 9 AM
Remote
Casual event to chat about politics and other topics with fellow Democrats. RSVP to chair@graftondemocrats.com for Zoom meeting link.
6/13/2020 Holliston Democratic Town Committeee Monthly Meeting
Saturday, June 13, 10 AM
Remote
Contact Chair Lisa Kaplan at lisabbk@verizon.net for details
6/13/2020 Malden Democrats Monthly Meeting
Saturday, June 13, 10 AM
Remote
To learn how to access the Zoom meeting or ask any other questions, email maldendemocrats@gmail.com.
*6/13/2020 Marlborough Democratic City Committee Meeting*
Saturday, June 13, 10 AM
Remote
Contact: marlboroughdcc@gmail.com
*6/13/2020 Ayer-Shirley Joint Democratic Town Committee Meeting*
Saturday, June 13, 10:30 AM
Remote
For Zoom dial-in details: email ayer.ma.dtc@gmail.com; Guests are 2 first-time candidates: Deb Busser for State Representative (1st Middlesex) and John Cronin for State Senate (Middlesex & Worcester)
*6/14/2020 Somerville Democratic City Committee, Ward 4 Meeting*
Sunday, June 14, 11 AM
Remote
RSVP: https://bit.ly/3cTs55p; email Chair Josh Tauber at josh@csail.mit.edu for Zoom link
*6/14/2020 Somerville Democratic City Committee, Ward 7 Meeting and Phonebank for Joe Biden*
Sunday, June 14, 3 PM
Remote
RSVP: https://www.mobilize.us/joebiden/event/277531/; Meeting for Ward 7 and phonebank for Joe Biden
6/15/2020 Virtual Town Hall with Congressman Seth Moulton
Monday, June 15, 5 PM
Remote
Taking place on “Congressman Seth Moulton” Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/RepMoulton/
*6/15/2020 Greater Boston Youth Democrats Virtual June Chapter Meeting and Elections*
Monday, June 15, 6:30 PM
Remote
Contact: greaterbostonyoungdems@gmail.com for Zoom info
6/15/2020 Greater Taunton MA High School Democrats Conversation with MA-04 Candidate Alan Khazei
Monday, June 15, 8 PM
Remote
Join Greater Taunton MAHSD’s weekly meeting and conversation with MA-04 Candidate Alan Khazei! RSVP here: https://www.facebook.com/events/2932492970121581/
*6/16/2020 Latinos for Ben Sigel, MA-04 Candidate, Virtual Meet and Greet*
Tuesday, June 16, 6 PM
Remote
Co-hosted by the campaign and many of Ben’s supporters; Ben is running to be the first ever Latino ever elected to Congress from Massachusetts; event details: https://www.facebook.com/events/2744490242449263/
6/16/2020 Mashpee Democratic Town Committee Meeting
Tuesday, June 16, 7 PM
Remote
Held every 3rd Tuesday of the Month; for more information, email mashpeedtc@gmail.com
6/16/2020 Wellesley DTC Meeting
Tuesday, June 16, 7 PM
Remote
Including a legislative forum with Representative Alice Peisch, Senator Cindy Creem, and Senator Becca Rausch. More information TBA.
*6/16/2020 Wellesley State Legislative Forum*
Tuesday, June 16, 7 PM
Remote
RSVP: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_RcV1vtM7Q2-0FInCKCU4Og; advance questions for Q & A can be sent to chair@wellesleydems.org; Guests are Representative Alice Peisch, Senator Cindy Creem, Senator Becca Rausch
*6/17/2020 Marion Democratic Town Committee Meeting*
Wednesday, June 17, 5 PM
Remote
Contact Chair, Sharon Matzek for more information at sharonmatzek@yahoo.com
6/17/2020 Bellingham DTC ‘Summer Kick-Off’ Fundraiser
Wednesday, June 17, 6 – 9 PM
TBD
Join the Bellingham DTC for their ‘Summer Kick-Off’ fundraiser to support the committee and its scholarship fund. Hot & cold appetizers, cash bar. Tix: $20, contact Chair Kevin Tagliaferri at kevlaw2@verizon.net
6/17/2020 Falmouth Democratic Town Committee Virtual Monthly Meeting
Wednesday, June 17, 7 PM
Remote
Includes Democratic Party candidates for Barnstable County Commissioner; Chair of Voter Protection Corps, Quentin Palfrey
*6/17/2020 Virtual Zoom Coffee with Jesse Mermell, MA-04, for Congress*
Wednesday, June 17, 7 PM
Remote
RSVP: molly@jessemermell.com
*6/17/2020 Walpole Democratic Town Committee Monthly Virtual Meeting*
Wednesday, June 17, 7 PM
Remote
Contact: WalpoleDTC@gmail.com for Zoom info
6/18/2020 Cape and Islands Virtual Event with Congressman Bill Keating
Thursday, June 18, 6 PM
Remote
Reserve: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/capevirtualevent# (Donations from the event go to Congressman Keating); moderated by CIDC chair, Sandy Milano
*6/18/2020 Hopkinton Town Democratic Committee Meeting*
Thursday, June 18, 6:30 PM
Remote
6/18/2020 Virtual Women for State Senator Becca Rausch with Special Guests Attorney General Maura Healey and Auditor Suzanne Bump
Thursday, June 18, 7 PM
Remote
Join State Sen. Becca Rausch for a virtual event in support of her re-election campaign. RSVP for the link: https://secure.ngpvan.com/jjiX_Y5ALkWbJGbNb7A-6A2
6/19/2020 An Evening of Music to Support Meg Wheeler for State Senate (Plymouth & Norfolk)
Friday, June 19, 7 PM
Remote
Join Meg Wheeler for State Senate for a virtual concert fundraiser, featuring acts such as is Dr. James Gibson, concert pianist. Be on the lookout for the announcement of the other acts! Reserve tickets at: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/meg-wheeler-concert-fundraiser
6/20/2020 Eastham Democratic Town Committee Meeting
Saturday, June 20, 10 AM
Remote
Contact easthamdems@gmail.com to request an agenda and meeting access information; Democratic candidates may speak briefly with prior approval; will discuss topics including election practices during COVID and the BLM movement
*6/20/2020 Somerville Democratic City Committee, Ward 3 Meeting*
Saturday, June 20, 11 AM
Remote
RSVP: https://bit.ly/2XWWH1P; email Chair Michael Grunko at mgrunko1@gmail.com for Zoom link
*6/20/2020 Wellfleet Democratic Town Committee Zoom Meeting*
Saturday, June 20, 11 AM
Remote
6/20/2020 Yarmouth DTC Meeting
Saturday, June 20, 1 PM
Remote
Contact Bob Isadore at velore20@gmail.com for more information.
6/20/2020 Bay State Stonewall Democrats Virtual Pride Summit
Saturday, June 20, 3 PM
Remote
Stonewall Democrats, in conjunction with other Democratic LGBTQ+ organizations, will be hosting a Virtual Pride Summit featuring LGBTQ+ activists, elected officials, and allies coming together to rally our community for November. To sponsor this event, please email info@baystatestonewalldems.org or go to secure.actblue.com/donate/virtualpride. RSVP here: https://www.facebook.com/events/557889215121381/
*6/20/2020 Cape and Islands Victory 2020 Fundraiser*
Saturday, June 20, 6:30 PM
Remote
Reserve: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/cidcsummer20 ($25 minimum donation requested); headlined by Senator Markey, encouraging other local elected officials to join.
*6/21/2020 Somerville Democratic City Committee, Ward 2 Meeting*
Sunday, June 21, 11 AM
Remote
RSVP: https://bit.ly/2XTXlNp; email Chair Michael Carlson at mic.carlson@gmail.com for Zoom link; Q & A with 27th Middlesex State Representative Candidate, Catia Sharp
6/22/2020 Milford DTC Meeting
Monday, June 22, 7 PM
Remote
Anyone interested in joining the meeting can email milfordmadtc@outlook.com for the login information.
6/30/2020 27th Middlesex Candidate Forum, Somerville Democratic City Committee, Ward 6 Meeting
Tuesday, June 30, 6:30 PM
Remote
RSVP: https://bit.ly/2YqQeve; forum with candidates for State Representative, Erika Uyterhoeven and Catia Sharp
*7/1/2020 File Your Letter of Intent with the MassDems*
Wednesday, July 1, 7 PM
Remote
Currently, there are two vacancies to be filled on the State Committee: two male seats, one caucus seat in the Hampden Senate District and a ballot seat in the First Essex and Middlesex Senate District. To run for either of these seats, candidates must file a letter of intent by 7pm on July 1st by emailing Executive Director Veronica Martinez at veronica@massdems.org.
*7/8/2020 Somerville Democratic City Committee, Ward 5 Meeting*
Wednesday, July 8, 5:50 AM
Remote
RSVP: https://bit.ly/2XWWrzG; email Chair Joe Lynch at hendersonhouse10@gmail.com for Zoom link
7/11/2020 Holliston Democratic Town Committee Monthly Meeting
Saturday, July 11, 10 AM
Remote
Contact Chair Lisa Kaplan at lisabbk@verizon.net for details
7/14/2020 Wrentham Democratic Town Committee Meeting
Tuesday, July 14, 7 PM
Remote
RSVP at Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/events/1180067129012588/; Guest speakers: State Representative for Ninth Norfolk District candidate, Brian Hamlin; MA-04 Congressional candidate, Becky Grossman; County Commissioner candidate, Richard Staiti; and Register of Probate candidate, Colleen Brierly.
8/8/2020 Holliston Democratic Town Committee Monthly Meeting
Saturday, August 8, 10 AM
Remote
Contact Chair Lisa Kaplan at lisabbk@verizon.net for details