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Friends,

Addressing climate change is about taking care of people. Right now, there's another issue that affects our community, one that is intertwined with all our struggles.

Last week, the Trump administration moved to disestablish the Mashpee Wampanoag reservation, attacking their autonomy and ability to govern on their land. In this uncertain time, we must support the Mashpee Wampanoag as they protect their land and reservation in Mashpee. Here’s how you can help:

I recognize that there are complex and contested histories of this land, but I hope we can take this time to support Native resistance to settler colonialism by learning more about the Massachusett, Wampanoag, Nipmuck, and all Native communities in Massachusetts.

In solidarity,
Vignesh Ramachandran
Digital Organizer

Take Action to Extend the 2019-2020 Legislative Session

We understand that our legislators’ attention has been fully absorbed with the immediate medical and economic crisis and that our critical climate legislation waits in the wings. As of today, we have 4 months left of the 2019-2020 legislative session.  But the legislature can and should extend the session to deal with climate issues. Send an email to your legislator so that our climate bills get the proper consideration they deserve.

Join our Ballot Initiative Kickoff Meeting

The winds of change are blowing through the Massachusetts Legislature. Do you want bold climate legislation passed this session? 350 Mass is teaming up with other progressive organizations to let the legislature know that we want climate laws now and that we expect transparency when voting. Join us for a training on our ballot initiative efforts that will kick off at the end of April. Zoom link here, Meeting ID: 813 524 968, dial-in: +1 646 876 9923 US. Sat, Apr 4, 4:30-6 pm.

We're Hiring a Digital Organizer & Communications Specialist 

350 Mass is looking for an experienced, strategic, and collaborative individual to lead our communications and digital organizing efforts. The Digital Organizer & Communications Specialist will support the statewide volunteer network of 350 Mass in using communications and digital tools for on-the-ground actions and in-person meetings as well as decentralized statewide campaigns. Read how to apply here.

Other 350 Mass News

We Need Your Photos: Do you have any great pics or short videos of 350 Mass rallies, meetings, and other activities? We're looking for photos of our volunteers taking action, smiling, and having a great time! Please upload them here.

Should the Public Buy Columbia Gas?: Eversource wants to buy Columbia Gas. Check out this article by 350 Mass' Executive Director Craig Altemose to find out more about this issue and learn why a government-owned department might be the best option.

Stay in the Loop with Climate Courage: Because of the pandemic, 350 Mass' direct action wing, Climate Courage, has had to adjust their plans. Sign up here to stay in the loop about future actions.

Calling All Teachers: Are you a member of a 350 Mass node and also a member of the Massachusetts Teachers Association? A group of active and retired MTA members formed the MTA Climate Action Network and are organizing members to become climate justice activists! Interested? Email Allston-Brighton node member (and MTA member) Justin Brown at [email protected].

Mass Power Forward Climate Justice Pledge: MPF is advocating for the Climate Justice Pledge as a way to tell Representatives to vote on amendments and bills that will address climate issues in Spring/Summer 2020. Ask your legislators to commit to this pledge to take action before it's too late. More information here. Now until Wed, Apr 1.

Write a Letter to the Editor: There has never been a better time to take part in 350 Mass' Letters to the Editor (LTE) team. Want to join? Email Vignesh Ramachandran to find out more! Our members have a great success rate in getting letters published! Here are some recent letters:

Other Better Future Project News

Intersectionality Panel: Food Security and Climate Change: Join Communities Responding to Extreme Weather (CREW) to explore the intersection of food insecurity and climate change. This will be a virtual event hosted by Communities Responding to Extreme Weather via Zoom. RSVP here. Tue, Apr 7, 6-7:30 pm.

Resilience Hub Webinar for Houses of Worship: Wondering how to ensure your faith community is prepared for the climate crisis? Join Communities Responding to Extreme Weather (CREW) for a quick webinar to learn how houses of worship and other community anchor institutions can build climate resiliency into their missions. RSVP here. Wed, Apr 15, 10 am-10:30 am.

Other Climate Movement News

Calling All Liberty Mutual Policyholders: Liberty Mutual is a huge backer of the tar sands sector, which spells disaster for the climate and Indigenous rights. The Stop the Money Pipeline campaign is demanding that Liberty Mutual stop insuring tar sands pipelines. Are you a Liberty Mutual policyholder? You have a unique platform to voice concerns. Sign up here.

Take an Online Training from 350.org: If you're stuck at home and you want to take your climate activism to the next level, try these online skill-ups from 350.org. Learn more about the science of climate change, discover how to have effective climate conversations, and find out how to run a grassroots campaign.

Weymouth Compressor Station Action: OSHA has issued a letter to Enbridge after FRRACS' many complaints to FERC and to OSHA regarding the continued construction during this time of pandemic. Thanks to all of you for your persistence! It's time to send another letter to FERC and OSHA to demand a shut down of construction. Learn more here.

Online Facilitation 101: This 350.org call will focus on online facilitation tips and tools, as we need to find ways to advance our work remotely. We’ll be sharing ideas and resources for facilitating effective meetings (and a bit about virtual trainings too) online. Register here. TOMORROW, Wed, Apr 1, 8 pm.

Forests, Farms, and Our FoodVirtual Panel on Sustainable Agriculture: Hear a panel of local experts discuss the changes we must make to stop water pollution, fight climate change, and create healthy food. We'll discuss the role of individuals, corporations, and policy change in shaping a better food system. See the Facebook event. Tue, Apr 7, 6:30-8 pm.

Sign a Petition Calling for a Moratorium on Construction of Pipeline Projects and Export Facilities: Our nation’s leading decisionmakers are charged with protecting all the people of our nation, including the health, safety, and rights of future generations. A moratorium on pipeline construction is needed to protect us all. Sign here.

2050 Roadmap Public Meetings: The State's Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs has been undertaking a planning process to address climate change, but COVID-19 has disrupted the planned meetings. Learn more, find audio recordings and slides from past meetings, and submit feedback here.

Sign a Petition to Protect Indigenous Sovereignty: Right now in British Columbia, Canada, Indigenous Wet’suwet’en Hereditary Chiefs and land defenders are resisting the construction of the TC Energy Coastal GasLink pipeline slated to cut through their territories. Sign a petition to demand that Chase and KKR defund the pipeline.

Support Clean Transportation: The Transportation and Climate Initiative (TCI) is a collaboration of 12 states and D.C. that would cap transportation emissions and place a fee on fuel imports. It's a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and modernize the transportation system. State leaders are soliciting feedback on the program and will decide this spring if they will participate.

Solidarity Opportunities

Raise Up Massachusetts: This coalition of community groups, faith-based organizations, and labor unions called for immediate passage of Emergency Paid Sick Time legislation in Massachusetts as part of the government response to the COVID-19 outbreak. Read their statement here.

#GetMePPE: Healthcare workers need our help right now to make sure they can do their jobs to protect us. They're experiencing a shortage of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). #GetMePPE is a movement of healthcare workers demanding we get the protection we need to protect ourselves and our patients. Learn how to help.

Support a Progressive Response to COVID-19: The current crisis harms our public health, our economy, and our democracy, compounding crises we were already facing, such as an inequality crisis that touches all aspects of society. It's time for our Legislature to act. Learn more and take action here.

Building Up People Not PrisonsWeek of Action: COVID-19 is already entering our prison system. Join a week of action to protect our communities, including our incarcerated communities. Learn more and find out how to help.

Petition to Suspend Rent, Mortgage, and Utility Payments During the Coronavirus Crisis: State and federal officials are encouraging people who feel sick to stay home, but many workers already struggle to make rent or mortgage payments. To protect the health and housing security of our community, ask Governor Baker to act now so workers won't have to make that choice. Learn more and sign here.

Make Schools Safe from ICE: Reports from Boston Public Schools are ending up in the hands of ICE, jeopardizing young people’s futures. The Boston Teachers Union and the Student Immigration Movement are taking action. Sign a petition to curb this information pipeline.

Is this newsletter a helpful resource? Help us make it possible by donating today! 

About Better Future Project and 350 Mass


Better Future Project (BFP) builds grassroots power to advance a rapid transition beyond fossil fuels. 350 Mass is Better Future Project's volunteer-led climate action network. 

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Questions? Email Alan Palm, [email protected]
Upcoming Node Meetings
All are welcome!
 
Allston-Brighton
Mon, Apr 13, 6:15-7:45 pm
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Berkshires
Wed, Apr 15, 6-8 pm
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Boston
Tue, Apr 14, 7-8:30 pm
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Cambridge-Somerville
Tue, Mar 31, 6:30-8:30 pm (orientation for new members at 6 pm)
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Thu, April 9, 7-8:30 pm
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Wed, Apr 15, 7-8:30 pm
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Thu, Apr 2, 7-9 pm
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Wed, Apr 1, 7-8:30 pm
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Thu, Apr 2, 7-9 pm
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Wed, Apr 22, 7-8:30 pm
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Tue, Apr 21, 7-9 pm 
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Tue, Apr 7, 6:30-8:30 pm
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Tue, Apr 14, 7-8:30 pm
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Tue, Apr 7, 7:30-9:30 pm
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Upper Charles
Mon, Apr 27, 7-9 pm
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Watertown
Sun, Apr 12, 4:15-6 pm
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