Neighborly actions from right now to next week
COVID medical support, taxing private schools, Rebuild(ing) Woonsocket, a training date to save, and more.
Hi, everyone. I told you there’d be another one of these soon—more things to do with and for our neighbors. Remember also to step out tomorrow for Palestine, if you are doing crowds. (I know that some of you work or study at Brown and if you do, you can also sign this community letter in solidarity with Palestine.)
Anytime after now, but sooner is better, remotely: Cata's father Pancho has been in intensive care for COVID since the beginning of the month. Cata is the director of AMOR and holds up so many people here. Let's help hold up her and her family.
TODAY, 5/20, BY 1pm, remotely: Private schools and colleges in Rhode Island are currently exempt from certain taxes, meaning that they don’t pay into the public good of the cities/towns that they depend on and whose land they absorb. RI House Bill 5808 would change that, making the money they receive in tuition eligible for taxation that could then be used to meet public needs. Send testimony in support of this bill to housefinance@rilegislature.gov. These schools are not going to “take their business elsewhere.” They are rooted here, and they should give back to the places that allow them to flourish.
5/26, 5:30-6:30pm, remotely: Rebuild Woonsocket is a group of residents of the city who are working to do what their name says through a combination of public listening and education, voting for better leaders, and policy change. If you live or work in Woonsocket, you’re invited to this virtual launch to hear their plans and see if you want to join them!
SAVE THE DATE: FANG is holding a (remote) intro to demonstrations training on 5/30 at 12-1pm. Come hear them talk about what it takes to plan and hold down a demo, the roles that are important, things that these experienced organizers wish they’d known, best practices, and more—and be ready to share wisdom from your own experiences! I have attended an earlier version of this training and it was grounding and good. Sign up here—you can also let them know your accessibility and inclusivity needs. I’ll be listing a reminder of this when it’s closer to time.
Anytime this week or next: The sneaky gardens are looking good! Text Greg at 401-484-1547 for shifts and locations—all are welcome. Again, you can donate to this effort here.
With love,
Kate