More neighbors, more actions
Block an anti-trans bill, apply for rent relief, phone bank to Rescue RI, & learn more about mutual aid/politics/power!
Hi everyone,
Happy April. Here are a few more things we can do with and for our neighbors on this damp day and onward.
TODAY, 4/1, anytime, remotely: You may have been seeing reports of bills targeting trans people, especially youth, around the US. Rhode Island now has our very own trash-ass anti-trans bill, Senate Bill 638, sponsored by Frank Lombardo III of Johnston (401-270-1379, sen-lombardo@rilegislature.gov), Elaine Morgan of South County (401-222-6655, sen-morgan@rilegislature.gov) and Jessica de la Cruz of Burrillville / Glocester / North Smithfield (401-484-0155, sen-delacruz@rilegislature.gov). Let’s email or call A) them and 2) the members of the Senate Education Committee, telling the sponsors to withdraw & the committee members to dismiss. Something I’m going to stress in my note is that this bill is not just anti-trans but anti-child—it makes it more difficult for children and teenagers to be who they are and enjoy their lives in a healthy way.
TONIGHT, 4/1, 6-8pm, remotely: The RI House versions of the Rescue RI Act (again, that’s three bills providing for environmental justice, sustainable and affordable housing, and food justice) are coming up pretty soon, and Renew RI is asking for some help phone banking TONIGHT to garner support. These bills give us the “how” of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and nourishing environmental recovery in our state. If you give good phone and have a little time tonight, please sign up!
TONIGHT, 4/1, 6-7:30, remotely: Want to learn more about mutual aid—what it is, how it works, its political power? Dean Spade, who has done a lot of it and also studied it, is giving a talk on it tonight. Register here.
Anytime this week, remotely: If you are having trouble paying rent or utilities, RI Housing has opened up these applications for rent and utility relief. There is an English version and a Spanish version but no other languages, so please help friends and family members if they’re eligible for this but would find the application frustrating. This just opened up, so now’s a good time to apply. Yes, the money does go to your landlord, but if you’re not prepared for a rent strike right now you may find this provides you with some, well, relief. (If you are prepared for a rent strike, or would like to be, consider reaching out to Tenant Network RI for support.)
ALSO: A friend is bootlegging me the job listings from Brown’s Swearer Center. Making a digest out of that for this list seems like a whole ‘nother job, but if anyone’s looking for work and wants that list forwarded to them, please let me know.
With love,
Kate
