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

Last week at a State House hearing on 100% renewable energy, Secretary of the Department of Environmental Protection Kathleen A. Theoharides was ambivalent about reducing emissions because climate change is unstoppable. Instead, she said that we need to focus on adapting to the changes.

But we know that climate change isn't on or off, stoppable or unstoppable. The amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere directly impacts the effects we'll see. Even the smallest amount of change could mean millions of lives saved in the long run.

We're at a critical point in humanity's history. We know what we need to do and how to do it. Meanwhile, Governor Baker and his appointees continue to rubber stamp permits for the fossil fuel industry that allow pollution in our communities and contribute to climate change.

This week, we've got opportunities to stop them. Join us.

In solidarity,
Vignesh Ramachandran
Digital Organizer
 

Don't Let #GovernorGas Rubber Stamp Permits for Weymouth!

We need to be rapidly reducing our dependence on fossil fuels, dismantling our fossil fuel infrastructure, and keeping our communities safe. That's why the proposal to build a potentially explosive gas compressor station in the Fore River Basin is a huge mistake. Unfortunately, Governor Baker tends to rubber stamp new fossil fuel projects. Come join us to stand outside Baker's office and voice your objections! Sign up here. Aug 1, 2, & 5, noon, Massachusetts State House, 24 Beacon St, Boston.

Fundraiser for BFP & the Just Reinvestment Fund

Join Better Future Project as we raise money for BFP and the Just Reinvestment Fund, an initiative that reinvests money into our communities. Learn about the work we're doing and enjoy a silent auction, speakers, and entertainment! There's a $25 suggested donation, but give what you are able to (no one will be turned away; we want everyone interested in coming to be able to). Donate here and see the Facebook event.

Other 350 Mass News

Protest against JP Morgan Chase: JP Morgan Chase is the #1 worst bank for continuing to fund fossil fuel projects. Join us for a protest as Chase opens yet another bank in the Boston-area. See the Facebook event. Wed, Jul 31, noon-1:30 pm, 776 Beacon St, Newton Center.

Webinar about member retention: Join this webinar to learn about why retaining volunteers and members is important, best strategies on how to do that, and examples from nodes with success stories. Join the webinar at this link. Mon, Aug 5, 7-8pm.

Candidate Forum on Energy and the EnvironmentBoston City Council District 9: Come hear from Jonathan Allen, Brandon Bowser, Liz Breadon, Craig Cashman, Dan Daly, Lee Nave, and Amanda Smart. Thu, Sep 12, 6-8 pm, Brighton Allston Congregational Church, UCC, 404 Washington St, Boston.

Make a video to support the Climate Strike: School strikers are calling on youth, parents, and all concerned citizens to join the September 20 Climate Strike and the week of action that follows. Adults will stand in solidarity with youth to ensure a just and livable future for all. Create a short video about why you're striking, why you care about the climate crisis, and why it's personal to your life! Instructions here. Upload videos here.

Write a Letter to the Editor: 350 Mass members write lots of letters to the editor, many of which get published! Here are some recent letters:

Want to join the team? Email Vignesh Ramachandran to find out more!

Other Climate Movement News

Young People Needed to Organize for the September Climate Strike: Do you know any youth aged 13-19 who are passionate about stopping climate change? Youth Climate Strike organizers are looking for more people to fill leadership positions. Share this application and encourage young people to get involved!

Petition to Holyoke Gas & Electric⁠—Stop the Pipeline: Holyoke Gas & Electric has been a clean energy leader, but they've also entered into agreements on two natural gas pipelines. They have an upcoming opportunity to terminate these agreements with no financial penalty, and they need to hear from their ratepayers that business as usual is not acceptable! Learn more and sign the petition here.

Intro to Just Transition: Grassroots Global justice Alliance is offering an Intro to Just Transition webinar with Climate Justice Alliance. Join to learn more about this grassroots framework. Register here. Wed, July 31, 4pm.

Renewable Communities Panel Discussion: Hear from the state's top experts about how communities can accelerate the transition to 100% renewable energy, and the role that various sectors—including businesses, government, and nonprofits—can play. RSVP here. Fri, Aug 2, 9:30-11 am, The Boston Foundation, South Boston Conference Room, 75 Arlington St #1000, Boston.

Demonstration Calling On Mass Dems to Support a Climate Debate: Climate change is an emergency, and it's about time the Democratic Party acted like it. We'll show up at Democratic State Committee to tell our stories and demand our local party committee join us in calling on the DNC to host a #ClimateDebate. See the Facebook event and RSVP here. Sat, Aug 10, 9 am-2 pm, Easthampton High School, 70 Williston Ave, Easthampton.

Transportation and Climate Community Engagement Workshop: Interested in the intersection between transportation and climate? Learn how northeastern states are working together to develop a regional policy to fight climate change and improve transportation. See the Facebook event. Tue, Aug 13, 6-8 pm, Mary C. Burke Elementary Complex, Kelly School Cafeteria, 300 Crescent Ave, Chelsea.

Action Against National Grid: Want to take action against National Grid and urge them to measure and fix gas leaks? Join Gas Leaks Allies, a coalition seeking solutions to gas leaks and methane emissions, for an event at City Hall Plaza. RSVP for the action here. Sat, Aug 31, 11 am, City Hall Plaza, Boston.

Brokenheartedness, Despair and Empowerment Practices for Climate Activists: Climate activists face fear, anger, sadness, and despair. This afternoon gathering will be a place to bring our broken hearts, to hold them in compassion, and to source healing and energy to go forward. Led by activists and facilitators of the Work That Reconnects. Free. Sun, Aug 25, 2-5 pm, Old Cambridge Baptist Church, 1151 Mass Ave, Harvard Sq, Cambridge.

Solidarity Opportunities

MaMuse Concert Supporting Ujima Project: Join MaMuse for a concert, with a portion of the benefits going towards supporting the Ujima Project. Buy tickets here. TOMORROW, Wed, Jul 31, 7:30-10:30pm, 6 Eliot St., Jamaica Plain.

Boston March Against Cages: The American Correctional Association's annual conference is in Boston from Aug 1-6. Local groups demand that the ACA stop certifying detention facilities with documented human and environmental abuses, end involvement with ICE/CBP, make the certification process and results easily available to the public, and more. Learn more here. Sun, Aug 4, 1:30-4:30 pm, Start: Boston Public Library Steps.

Petition to Support United Houma Nation: Sign this petition for federal recognition for the United Houma Nation. Due to lack of recognition, they can't directly access to federal resources or get support. These signatures are coordinated with the Principal Chief on the tribe’s annual trip to visit DC decision-makers who have the power to approve the almost 40 year pending petition. Sign the petition here

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. 

We're on Facebook and Twitter. Did you receive this email from a friend? You can subscribe here.

Questions? Email Alan Palm, [email protected]
Upcoming Node Meetings
All are welcome!
 
Allston-Brighton
Mon, Aug 12, 6-7:30 pm
Brighton Branch of the Boston Public Library
40 Academy Hill Rd, Brighton

Berkshires
Wed, Aug 21, 6-8 pm
Unitarian Universalist Church
175 Wendell Ave, Pittsfield

Boston
Tue, Aug 13, 7-8:30 pm
First Church in Jamaica Plain
6 Eliot St, Jamaica Plain

Cambridge-Somerville
Tue, Aug 6, 6:30-8:30 pm (orientation for new members at 6 pm)
First Church Cambridge
11 Garden St, Cambridge

Cape Cod
Thu, Aug 1, 7-8:30 pm
Sturgis Library
3090 Main St, Barnstable

Greater Franklin
Thu, Aug 1, 7-9 pm
First Universalist Society in Franklin
262 Chestnut St, Franklin

Lowell
Wed, Aug 7, 7-8:30 pm
Mill No. 5
250 Jackson St, Lowell

MetroNorth
Wed, Aug 14, noon-1:30 pm
Unitarian Church
478 Main St, Winchester

MetroWest
Taproom Social
Thu, Aug 1, 6-10 pm
89 Pleasant St South, Natick

Mystic
Tue, Aug 13, 7-8:30 pm
Medford High School, Rm V220
489 Winthrop St, Medford

Newton
Tue, Aug 20, 7-9 pm 
First Unitarian Society in Newton
1326 Washington St, Newton

North Shore
Tue, Aug 6, 4:30-6 pm (potluck from 6-8:30pm!)
Pagoda at Salem Willows
165 Fort Ave, Salem

South Coast
Tue, Aug 13, 7-8:30 pm
First Parish Church in Taunton
76 Church Green, Taunton

South Shore
Tue, Aug 6, 7:30-9:30 pm
Old Ship Church Parish House
107 Main St, Hingham

Upper Charles
Mon, Aug 26, 7-9 pm
Sherborn UU
11 Washington St, Sherborn

Watertown
Sun, Aug 4, 4:15-6 pm
The Residence at Watertown Square
20 Summer St, Watertown
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