Neighborly actions anytime this coming week (and Monday)
A neighborhood cleanup, Safe Lots for neighbors, a job opportunity, a story-sharing opportunity, a date to save, and more.
Hi, everyone. Here are a few more chances to do things with and for our neighbors in the next week or so. Except for the first one and the last one, these are all flexible as to time!
Also, if you haven’t already done so, please write to Emma Rodvien (emma.rodvien@puc.ri.gov) at the Energy Facility Siting Board today by 4pm to keep fossil fuels from poisoning the Southside, and/or write to Dr. Muñoz today by 5pm (luisdaniel.munoz85@gmail.com) to help BIPOC Rhode Islanders get second vaccine doses this weekend (Moderna Saturday, Pfizer Sunday) at the Dunk.
5/9, 10-12am, meeting at 960 Broad St (CVS parking lot), Providence: Join Southside and Olneyville neighbors in a trash pickup day. Wear your mask, bring gloves and trash bags if you can, and come prepared to meet and talk and learn what else is going on for the people you’re cleaning alongside. If your kids are mature enough to pick up trash (rather than, say, eat it) and stay on the sidewalk without being watched constantly, this is probably kid-friendly.
Anytime this coming week, the sooner the better: Until Rhode Island starts to do the right thing and make housing truly safe, affordable and available, those of us with some means can stand with our houseless neighbors in creating “safe lots”—parking lots where people sheltering in a tent, car or RV can stay without fear of state harassment. The RI Homeless Bill of Rights Defense Committee is piloting some safe lots to show that it can be done, and they need supplies, either directly or through monetary donations. If you or any of your connections have towing or portable toilet businesses, these things are particularly needed—click the link (or text 401-484-1547) to make that connection, or to donate other materials or funds.
Anytime this week or next: Renew New England — a regional coalition of more than 150 grassroots organizations, including environmental justice advocates, Indigenous tribes, labor unions, racial justice organizations, faith communities, and youth groups — is hiring a Youth Coordinator! The position is full-time and will involve working to more deeply engage young people (ages 14-25) in the coalition’s organizing. They’re looking for someone who has experience working with young people (both high-school-age and college-age) and who will excel at building strong relationships and coaching others. Check out the position description to apply.
Anytime this week or next: Longtime Providence organizer Snoopy is still recovering from surgery—not as fast as he could be because he’s still working for his community’s well-being. Can you support him in caring for himself as well?
Anytime this week or next: If you are Black, Indigenous and/or a person of color, age 14-23, and living in RI, PrYSM’s Community Defense Project invites you to share your stories of dealing with police brutality, harassment, racism and violence. Their goal is to identify ways to combat all of these as a community and explore ways to heal from them together.
SAVE THE DATE: If you are a woman and/or nonbinary person of color, and you want to connect with people whose experiences overlap yours to build relationships and act together, Sista Fire RI is holding their monthly justice circle Monday, 5/17. Sign up soon to join them!
With love,
Kate