Political Initiatives Committee Report
1. Review of candidates that GCM members recommend. Dylan recommends Tami Gouveia for Lt. Governor as a very progressive candidate, Quentin Palfrey for Attorney General (Liss-Riordan would also be good), Tanisha Sullivan for Secretary of State, and Chris Dempsey for Auditor. Some members felt that Andrea Campbell would be a good candidate for AG but others disagreed. Jasmin felt that Liss-Riordan is a good candidate because she has a lot of courtroom experience. Jeana said a friend recommended Diana DiZoglio for Auditor – Jasmin said she felt Diana was supportive of domestic violence victims – but Diana’s position on applications for benefits seems contrary to progressive principles; please read the link dianasrecord.com/in-her-own-words. Tanisha for SOS is a progressive voice. Patricia reported that IMC is working on the issue of endorsing candidates (meeting on Aug 24). Jasmin said some of the candidates will be at joint DTC event Aug 27th 9-11 am at Gladys Kelly Public Library in Webster. Jeana will send out the latest IMC newsletter to all of us.
2. Postcards for Brooke Canada. BFF purchased some 1,100 postcards for candidate Brooke; they are being written and sent out now (GCM took 175 postcards). Standout/Rally for Brooke every Sunday 11-2 in North Brookfield. Brooke is running for Select Board in North Brookfield.
3. Call to encourage volunteer poll watchers. Nationwide, there is a movement on the part of right-wing election suppressors to work as poll watchers. There is a group trying to encourage liberal prior poll watchers to volunteer again. If you want to participate in this recruitment initiative be in touch with Jeana.
4. Updates from Incorruptible Mass. Dylan reported that the group is getting out the vote on behalf of 13 endorsed candidates. Samuel Biagetti, 27 Prospect St, North Brookfield, agreed to run as a write-in candidate for Democratic Rep from 5th Worcester. Write him in if you live in the District where Donnie Berthiaume is currently your state representative!
5. Updates from Indivisible Mass Coalition. Patricia mentioned that Brookfields Fight Fear is planning a gathering to be part of IMC’s Weekends of Action. On Monday BFF will meet to work out details for the planned Indivisi-Gather (the tentative date for this gathering is September 17-18 in order to be part of IMC’s “Weekends of Action”); date may change if IMC changes the date. Patricia will keep us posted.
6. Fair Share Amendment (to MA Constitution) is Question 1 on ballot in November, which would raise taxes on the wealthiest people in the Commonwealth (if passed, additional tax revenues would be earmarked). There are opportunities to help pass it. Let Jeana know if you want to begin phone banking for this amendment.
Climate Committee Report
1. Update on library book project. Bob is wrapping up the book purchase project – picking up the last checks for libraries. West Brookfield was excited about getting the books – maybe they could be part of the publicity? Bob was trying to get geographical coverage. Sub-committee also discussed climate-centered books to Literacy Volunteers program (because there will be some funds left); Literacy Volunteers needs materials that can be read out loud, which means they are looking mostly for children’s books. Sherry Zitter will oversee ways of reading the books aloud on video. Jeana and Jasmin said they would do some of the reading.
2. Some legislative successes on state (H5060) and federal (Inflation Reduction Act) levels.
3. Concerns about Quabbin Reservoir water use. There was concern expressed about Boston wasting water from the Quabbin while all of us are under mandatory water bans. Sarah Heller wrote to Anne Gobi; Gobi responded quickly saying she would look into this.
4. Reorganization. Nancy Tame will respond to emails sent to climate@grassrootscentralmass.org. Sarah will chair the committee, with the understanding that Nancy will coordinate Trees for Treasures and Janet will work on legislative issues. The subcommittee meets regularly, every third Friday in the morning (next meeting is September 16th). The subcommittee was also interested in having another gathering at Wells State Park pavilion before the weather gets bad; details will be forthcoming.
5. Too Good To Go. Sarah notified us of a program to address food waste; Tip-Top is now participating, so you can install an app https://www.toogoodtogo.com/en-us/consumer on your phone and pick up a “surprise package” of food from Tip-Top on Wed, Fri, Sun for a significantly reduced price.
Racial and Social Justice Committee Report
1. Voter registration at OSV. Jasmin reported that everyone they talked to was already registered, but they had good conversations with people – people wanted to know the dates of the primaries, who the candidates are, and so on. For early voting info, see this URL: www.sec.state.ma.us/ele/eleev/evidx.htm
2. Update on the curriculum and diversity survey being done by Serenity, Jasmin’s intern. New date for her presentation is September 28th. Serenity and Jasmin have collected 20+ surveys from students in area schools; intern is compiling the data; adding her own reflections; reviewing the charter school curriculum; and referencing state-wide curriculum standards.
3. Safe Communities and Indigenous Peoples Day legislation didn’t pass. There will probably be another question on the ballot to overturn Drivers Licenses for All as the necessary signatures to get this unfortunate question on the ballot have been collected. Jasmin was accosted in Southbridge in fact and wanted to know if there was anything quick and simple to counter false arguments; Jeana will ask MIRA if they have any handouts, but she has 3 quick points: 1) Standard ID is not a Real ID so holders can’t vote, 2) Safer for all if people on the road know how to drive, 3) Financially better for all if drivers have insurance.
4. Update on our outreach to the Barre Museum. After outreach, Grassroots members remain concerned. We don’t want to alienate either the Barre Museum (who we assume is acting in good faith) nor the Native Americans who are directly involved. Dylan suggested a public forum could be held, so that the issue remains visible. Jasmin felt strongly that the Native American communities involved should be consulted directly so that they take the lead in specifying what actions they want to see happen and everyone agreed.
5. The Secret History of Family Separation. Jeff spoke about how horrified he was by an article in Atlantic by Caitlin Dickerson on the family separation policy (her book is forthcoming). We need comprehensive immigration reform on the federal level (not much has changed from Trump to Biden), but we can also work locally in support of individuals (such as Afghan refugees, most of whom are on a Special Immigrant Visa, which may be somewhat restrictive in the long-term).
Website Committee Report
The committee met last Saturday. Nancy volunteered to be the Climate contact person for the website. It has been unclear which events should be entered on the website calendar, so it was decided that events to be listed will be those that we sponsor or co-sponsor. We also agreed to start each general GCM meeting with information about upcoming events that should be entered on the calendar if any exist. Upcoming general and sub-committee meetings should be entered on the calendar too. Danielle suggested we put the minutes on the website; she edited out last names for privacy reasons.
Jeana surveyed a small group about their experience in viewing our website video “How we rooted and sprouted” – about half had buffering issues. Jeana asked everyone on the call to review the website yet again; Danielle will be the administrator of the site and can make changes, but this is our site, so the more input from members about what content to include, the better. Danielle asked if we want to move “News and Notes” to the home page; she also created a new tab “Action Alert” which we could feature prominently, to keep the site more dynamic. Some changes the Website Committee suggested have not been implemented yet but will be.
Next Meeting (Zoom): September 10 2022, 9:30 AM
