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Check out the latest news from the Massachusetts climate movement!
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Friends,

During hard times like these, governmental transparency can slip through the cracks. But transparency is the key for true progress, and we need to keep fighting for it. In the past, many of our representatives have privately voted against environmentally progressive legislation that would save lives and keep our communities safe. We need public votes!

We're launching a ballot initiative campaign to push for greater transparency. But there's a problem. The Massachusetts legislature still expects us to collect petition signatures by hand, despite the COVID-19 threat. Sign this online petition ([link removed]) to support 350 Mass and Act On Mass’s efforts to change petition gathering rules and increase transparency now!

In solidarity,
Vignesh Ramachandran
Digital Organizer


** We're Hiring a Digital Organizer & Communications Specialist
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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. ([link removed])


** Take an Online Training from 350.org
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If you're stuck at home and you want to take your climate activism to the next level, try these online skill-ups ([link removed]) 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.


** Other 350 Mass News
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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. ([link removed])

Should the Public Buy Columbia Gas?: Eversource wants to buy Columbia Gas. Check out this article by 350 Mass' Executive Director Craig Altemose ([link removed]) 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 ([link removed]) 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] (mailto:[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. ([link removed]) Now until Wed, Apr 1.

Ballot Initiative Kickoff Meeting: Do you want bold climate legislation passed this session? 350 Mass is teaming up with other progressive organizations to let the Massachusetts Legislature know that we want climate laws now and we expect transparency when voting. Join us to strategize on how to organize in order to get our concerns turned into questions on the November ballot. RSVP for the online meeting here. ([link removed]) Sat, Apr 4, 11:30 am-3 pm.

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 (mailto:[email protected]) to find out more! Our members have a great success rate in getting letters published! Here are some recent letters:
* Taunton Daily Gazette: Everyone must take action now to combat climate change ([link removed])
* MetroWest Daily News: Is Bezos up to the challenge? ([link removed])
* The Boston Globe: Fossil fuel industry feels tug of divestment movement ([link removed])


** Other Better Future Project News
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Online Interfaith Summit on Climate Change, Extreme Weather, and How To Respond: Communities Responding to Extreme Weather (CREW) invites you to a summit that brings together religious and spiritual communities from Boston and the surrounding area to engage in a discussion about climate change. In addition to hearing thoughtful presentations, participants will be able to sign up for discussion facilitated by Buddhist, Christian, Jewish, Muslim, and Native facilitators to learn about how their faith tradition views resilience! Register and indicate your preferences here. ([link removed]) Sun, Mar 29, 2-3:30 pm.

Intersectionality Panel: Food Security and Climate Change: Join 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. ([link removed]) Tue, Apr 7, 6:00-7:30 pm.


** Other Climate Movement News
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Urge FERC to Shut Down Construction of the Weymouth Compressor Station: Despite the pandemic, construction of the Weymouth Compressor Station continues, endangering the health of workers and the community. Submit a comment to urge a shutdown. ([link removed])

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 ([link removed]) to demand that Chase and KKR defund the pipeline.

Support Clean Transportation: The Transportation and Climate Initiative (TCI) is a collaboration of twelve 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 raise much needed revenue to modernize the transportation system. State leaders are soliciting feedback ([link removed]) on the program and will decide this spring if they will participate.


** Solidarity Opportunities
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#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. ([link removed])

Building Up People Not Prisons—Week 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. ([link removed])

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. ([link removed])

Raise Up Massachusetts: Our grassroots activists flooded legislative inboxes and offices, and as a result, the House released their transportation revenue package, ensuring:
* A Tiered Corporate Minimum: large, profitable corporations will pay a fair share of their taxes according to their size.
* Low- and middle-income families won't be paying a disproportionate amount to invest.
* A long-term commitment to the Fair Share Amendment.

Please contact your legislator ([link removed]) to thank them for their inclusion of a tiered corporate minimum, confirm their continued support of the Fair Share Amendment, and continue advocating for a fair and balanced revenue package.

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 ([link removed]) to curb this information pipeline.
Is this newsletter a helpful resource? Help us make it possible by donating ([link removed]) today!


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

We're on Facebook ([link removed]) and Twitter ([link removed]) . Did you receive this email from a friend? You can subscribe here. ([link removed])

Questions? Email Alan Palm, [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])
Upcoming Node Meetings
All are welcome!

Allston-Brighton
Mon, Apr 13, 6:15-7:45 pm
Zoom link ([link removed])

Berkshires
Wed, Apr 15, 6-8 pm
Zoom link ([link removed])

Boston
Tue, Mar 24, 7-8:30 pm
Zoom link ([link removed])

Cambridge-Somerville
Tue, Mar 31, 6:30-8:30 pm (orientation for new members at 6 pm)
Zoom link ([link removed])
Cape Cod
Thu, April 9, 7-8:30 pm
Zoom link ([link removed])

Charles River
Wed, Mar 25, 7-8:30 pm
Zoom link ([link removed])

Greater Franklin
Thu, Apr 2, 7-9 pm
Zoom link ([link removed])

Lowell
Wed, Apr 1, 7-8:30 pm
Zoom link ([link removed])

MetroNorth
Wed, Apr 1, noon-1:30 pm
Zoom link ([link removed])

MetroWest
Thu, Apr 2, 7-9 pm
Zoom link ([link removed])

Mystic
Wed, Mar 25, 7-8:30 pm
Zoom link ([link removed])

Newton
Tue, Apr 21, 7-9 pm
Zoom link ([link removed])

North Shore
Tue, Apr 7, 6:30-8:30 pm
Zoom link ([link removed])

South Coast
Tue, Mar 24, 7-8:30 pm
Zoom link ([link removed])

South Shore
Tue, Apr 7, 7:30-9:30 pm
Zoom link ([link removed])

Upper Charles
Mon, Apr 27, 7-9 pm
Zoom link ([link removed])

Watertown
Sun, Mar 29, 4:15-6 pm
Zoom link ([link removed])

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