Neighborly actions during the pause
Where you might go and who you might connect with. Also, fresh vegetables
Hi everyone,
While I pause these emails to reflect and consult on what this list is and has been, and what it can and should be, here are some places you can look regularly and connections you can make to keep doing things with and for our neighbors.
DARE and AMOR often post things on their Facebook pages relating to advocacy and direct assistance for RI residents hit by poverty, incarceration, and police and state violence, so checking there regularly is good.
The South Providence Neighborhood Association hosts regular conversations between residents and people trying or planning to make changes in the neighborhood. If you are a Southside resident wanting to learn more about these changes and weigh in, get on the SPNA mailing list by emailing Dwayne Keys at southprovneighbors@gmail.com.
City councilor Kat Kerwin often posts Smith Hill neighborhood needs (especially housing) and events on her Twitter account.
If you use Twitter and want to be involved with direct material aid and solidarity, with the option to meet and talk with people, Food Not Bombs and PVD Wide Awakes are two good accounts to follow for unfolding opportunities to do those things.
The RI legislative session wraps up on 6/30, but till then, you can follow or check in with Jackie Goldman on Twitter for information about bills and hearings, and write to them at jegoldman93@gmail.com if you have questions about testifying on a bill or contacting a senator or representative about something that matters to you. The RI Rights listserv also sends out notice of legislative hearings, including clear and thorough breakdowns of the bills (sometimes with the listmaker’s commentary), and sometimes other things like public actions. Email rirights-plans@lists.riseup.net to join. Note that these sometimes go out very close to the time of the hearing or action they are talking about.
If you’re looking to directly support autonomy and safety for people victimized by poverty and policing in Providence, and especially if you have the ability for a regular commitment (like watering garden beds) a quick response (like to police presence), or both, getting more involved with the Safe Lots effort may be a good path for you. Text Greg at 401-484-1547 if you want to be involved with community defense or gardening, or have a hook-up for materials and equipment like port-a-potties or portable washing machines.
SURJ (Showing Up for Racial Justice) RI has begun holding “action hours” which will probably take place every other week. From home, during a shared time frame, people can do things recommended/requested by RI groups and national groups dealing with justice issues that affect Rhode Island residents as well, or gleaned from community needs; here is the action guide from the most recent one, to give you the idea. You can receive the action guide even if you aren’t able to virtually attend the action hours, and do some or all of the things on your own time. To get on the mailing list for their action hour signups and guides, write to showingupforracialjusticeri@gmail.com and put “action hours” in the subject line. They also welcome tips!
And one last neighborly action, for anytime this month: Movement Ground Farm has free and reduced-price (50, 75, or 85%) vegetable and meat shares available for the summer and fall. CSA members would pick up weekly boxes at the PrYSM office on Elmwood Ave in Providence on Tuesday afternoons. If you would like a weekly box of veggies but can't afford the full cost, or know someone who might be interested, you (or they) can email movementgroundfarm@gmail.com with subject line “Solidarity Shares” to learn more!
Thank you all for all you’ve been doing with and for your neighbors and yourselves. I wish all of us well.
With love,
Kate