Quote of the Week
“We shall go on to the end, …, whatever the cost may be, we shall fight on the beaches, …, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender….”
— Winston Churchhill, June 4, 1940
Action of the Week: In-Person Newton Indivisible Meeting
Join us for an in-person meeting on Sunday, June 14th, 4:00 to 5:30 p.m., at FUUSN, 1326 Washington Street, West Newton. Learn about key races, major threats to free and fair elections, and opportunities for action! Yummy refreshments will be served. RSVP here. Paid for by Newton Indivisible and not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee.
Candidate Forum for our 4th Congressional District (CD-4)
Join us on Wednesday, June 17th, at 7:00 p.m., to virtually meet the challenging candidate to represent Massachusetts’ Fourth Congressional District in the US Congress, Jason Poulos. Register here to hear directly from Jason Poulos about the issues shaping our communities and his vision for the future, and to ask your own questions ahead of the Democratic primary. Learn more about Jason Poulos.
Mark your calendar to virtually meet incumbent candidate Jake Auchincloss on Monday, July 13th, at 7:15 p.m.
Elections Action Team
There are several opportunities this month to phone bank for Indivisible-endorsed candidates in NY and CO. Check them out, along with lots of other ways to get involved in flipping the House and Senate as well as fighting for free and fair elections, on our web page.
Good news! Last Thursday, our team hosted another letter-writing event to send helpful information to voters in states with strict and confusing voter ID laws. This time, we wrote to voters in Arizona, where the primary election will take place on July 21st. We had a great turnout and wrote 250 letters!
New Local Citizens Bank Protest
The Jewish Alliance of Law and Social Action (JALSA) is starting a regular (every other Friday) Citizens Bank standout in Newton Centre. Citizens Bank has been a major financial funder of two private prison companies: CoreCivic and The GEO Group. Learn more here. The first protest will be on Friday, June 12th, at noon. Sign up here.
Celebrate Juneteenth
Join us on Friday, June 19th, starting at 3:00 p.m. at the Hyde Community Center to celebrate 161 years since the emancipation of enslaved African-Americans. This year, we reject division and instead embrace ‘Joyful Resistance!’ Hosted by DJ Firestarta, the celebration will feature live performances, Caribbean-flavored food trucks, the New England Patriots cheerleaders, and a screening of the movie Black Panther.
For the detailed schedule and other information, visit Eventbrite or Facebook, and please help us spread the word far and wide!
Pride Month News and History
Thanks to Newton leaders for sponsoring a Resolution Declaring The City Of Newton’s Support For Newton’s Transgender, Gender Diverse, And LGBTQIA+ Community (page 4 et seq.). The Resolution affirms that “LGBTQIA+, transgender, and gender-diverse residents deserve safety, stability, and dignity, and that protecting vulnerable populations strengthens public safety and community trust.” Read more about the Resolution in The Patch here.
Join a virtual event entitled “We Were Always Here: Uncovering Queer History in Every Era” on Tuesday, June 23rd, at 6:30 p.m., to learn more about LGBTQIA+ history. Register here. Sponsored by the Newton Free Library.
Newton Bridge Brigade
Good news! The Bridge Brigade gained visibility by participating in the nationwide D-Day action last Saturday, June 6th, 9:00 to 11:00 a.m., at the Kendrick Street Bridge over I-95 in Needham. On D-Day in 1944, ordinary people did extraordinary things to defend democracy against fascism. On D-Day this year, we honored that legacy by reminding thousands of drivers that everyday citizens are standing up for democracy right here at home.
Please join us every Thursday from 7:30 to 9:00 a.m., at the Kendrick Street Bridge over I-95 in Needham. Park on Hunting Road on the Needham side of the bridge. Just show up or email bridgebrigade@newton-indivisible.org for more information.
Commonwealth Advocacy Team
Thank your state representative: the Massachusetts Consumer Data Privacy Act was unanimously passed by the House last Thursday. The MA Senate passed a similar data privacy bill in September, and the two will negotiate a final version of the bill.
The House bill would establish important new data privacy protections, including the following:
- Ban the sale of precise geolocation data.
- Require that personal data collection be proportionate to the provision of the requested services.
- Establish individuals’ rights over their online data.
- Specify that sensitive data cannot be sold or shared without a user’s affirmative consent.
- Prohibit targeted advertising to minors.
- Enable a private right of action (“If someone violates your rights, you can sue them”).
To join the Commonwealth Advocacy Team, email info@newton-indivisible.org.
Laughtivism Action Team
Curious about Laughtivism? Join us for more creative fun! Contact laughtivism@newton-indivisible.org.
Rallies Action Team
We will hold our 64th RESIST standout in Newton Centre Green at the intersection of Beacon and Center Streets on Saturday, June 13th, from noon to 1:00 p.m. Bring your own signs. Check out The Big List of Protest Signs for ideas. Contact rallies@newt,on-indivisible.org for more information; registration is optional.
More Opportunities to Take Action
Please visit our Opportunities to Take Action page for a listing of important ongoing initiatives. The list is updated weekly along with our newsletter.
Contribute Newsletter Items
To submit items for inclusion in our Newsletter, please send them to newsletter@newton-indivisible.org and include an image if possible. Submissions will be edited for brevity and clarity. The submission deadline is Monday at 10:00 a.m., and the newsletter goes live on the website and is sent to our mailing list on Tuesday mornings.
Please Share Photos and Videos
If you have photos or videos related to Newton Indivisible activities that you are willing to share with our Storytellers Action Team, please use our Upload Page to share them for use in our newsletter and social media channels.
Donate to Newton Indivisible
You can donate to Newton Indivisible to help defray our operating expenses. To donate via credit/debit card, click here. To donate via Venmo, pay @newton-indivisible. To donate via check (minimum $50), make a check out to “The Indivisible Project” with “Newton Indivisible” in the memo line and mail it to:
Newton Indivisible
c/o Larry Denenberg, Treasurer
31 Ripley Street
Newton, MA 02459-2209
Donations to Newton Indivisible are not tax-deductible.
This weekly newsletter is brought to you by Newton Indivisible. To send a message to the leadership team, use our Contact Form or email info@newton-indivisible.org.