Switch the Source Newsletter, April 13
Updates and information about our Massachusetts statewide activities
April 13, 2020
IN THIS ISSUE:
- Message from National Leadership, "Finding Comfort and Resolve in this Challenging Time"
- Path to Power Vote April 18th
- Earth Day April 22-24
- MA Legislative Team Report
- Coaching Coordinator Hired
- Connecting and Support
- Training
- Fun for all ages
Finding Comfort and Resolve in this Challenging Time
From the National Leadership Team
At Mothers Out Front we feel the weight of the grief and fear the pandemic is causing around the world. Because of this, we have taken a moment during these unprecedented times to ensure that our staff and their families have what they need to be healthy, safe, and secure. At the same time, we want to provide tools and support for our members as they navigate the COVID-19 crisis wherever they live. Some members may need to focus on their families right now and may not be able to continue to organize. While others are eager to use this time at home to build our movement.
Together we are finding hope in the lessons this crisis has for humanity. We must seize this moment to fight together for solutions to economic and environmental injustices. To re-balance historic inequities that continue to push low-income communities, people of color and indigenous people to the margins over and over again. And, to recognize the power and fundamental significance of a healthy climate to the health of all living beings.
Find resources for the current outbreak
What’s important is that Mothers are coming together to support each other and their communities
Path to Power Vote April 18
At the April 4 virtual state assembly, “Creating Our Path to Power,” we reviewed a proposed organizational structure for Mothers Out Front Massachusetts. On April 18, we will meet again by zoom to vote on adopting this proposal. Your vote is important. Please join us on April 18, 3:30-5:30 pm: RSVP here. For a summary of the proposal, click here.
Earth Day
MA Legislative Team Report
Andra Rose, amherstamr@gmail.com
Massachusetts Mothers Out Front's legislative agenda is partly on hold until our legislators can attend to issues beyond the COVID-19 crisis. The Massachusetts House leadership plans to resume climate legislation when they can. Ordinarily, the legislative session wraps up at the end of July but there is a question as to whether it will be extended into the fall.
The Legislative Team remains active and is studying how to make progress on our priorities by linking them to state level stimulus funds. Community teams can also continue their support for climate legislation by simply staying in touch with their legislators through Zoom meetings, emails and phone calls. Find your legislators at https://malegislature.gov/search/findmylegislator.
The following are recent climate justice and coalition letters that Mothers Out Front has signed as an organization:
- Moratorium on Fossil Fuel Construction
- A Green Stimulus to Rebuild Our Economy
- Draft Transportation and Climate Initiative
- GWSA Road Map comments on carbon pricing
Coaching Coordinator Hired
Connecting and Support
National Mothers Out Front Connection Hour, Mon, April 13, at 5:30, 6:30 or 8:00 pm
Join members from across the country to socialize informally and support one another.
Space for Grandparents and Elders, Weds, April 15, 3 - 4:00 pm
Training
For a complete list of upcoming, online trainings, frequently updated, see: https://www.mothersoutfront.org/attend_a_workshop
Join a "Lunch and Learn” session in the series on environmental justice and undoing racism in the environmental movement:
April 15, noon to 1:30, Implicit Bias: “Did I Say That?” Lunch and Learn
Learn how to use social media and Nationbuilder:
April 14, 7 to 8 pm, Twitter Skills for Campaigns
April 15, 7:15 to 8:35 pm, Communications with Nationbuilder
April 16, 1 to 2 pm, Multimedia Storytelling: Audio
April 16, 3 to 4 pm, Social Media 101
Fun Stuff for all ages
Family-friendly Trivia Hour Online with Mothers Out Front, Sunday, April 19, 2 pm
In this event, with Beth Rodio, members and their families can build bonds, have fun, and crush the competition…maybe.
Quarantine Music Kids - Music and Movement Zoom Classes! Mon., Wed., 10:30 am, or Thurs., 3:00 pm
Join Sonja Tengblad, Mothers Out Front East Boston for thirty minute classes for elementary children and their younger siblings. Sing, dance, play drums (using kitchen utensils), make instruments, learn rhythm. See her Facebook page here. Sign up on her webpage here.
Book Recommendation
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Douglas Tallamy is not to be missed, either in person or on the printed page. He’s super knowledgeable, clear, simple, and funny. Nature’s Best Hope is his wake-up call to everyone who plants anything anywhere. What we choose to plant matters to our native insects, including the pollinators, which in turn are crucial to the survival of our native birds. Take a good look at your yard, your community garden plot, the nearest public park. What kinds of plants, shrubs and trees are there? Certain native plants, shrubs and trees are especially valuable. Every single yard, community garden and public space can play a role in supporting native wildlife and it’s not hard to do. Doug Tallamy’s overall message is positive and shows how to take action. |
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ABOUT THIS NEWSLETTER
Switch the Source News is produced every two weeks to inform and engage members of Massachusetts Mothers Out Front. Feel free to share this newsletter with your Mothers Out Front community members. Your input and feedback is welcome. Subscribe here: https://ma.mothersoutfront.org/signup_switch_the_source_newsletter
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