Advocacy in Action: Your Guide to Protecting Civil Liberties in Massachusetts

Massachusetts is at a critical crossroads, and the actions taken on Beacon Hill this session will define the state’s commitment to civil liberties and the rule of law. It is time for all of us to reach out to our state legislators and urge them to take their cues from a comprehensive legislative agenda focused on protection, transparency, and justice.

When you call your State Senator and State Representative, ask them to prioritize the following three pillars and the critical PROTECT Act.

1. Build "Firewalls for Freedom"

Our state resources should never be weaponized against our own neighbors. We must urge legislators to support the Safe Communities Act (H.2580 / S.1681) and the Dignity Not Deportations Act (H.1588 / S.1122). These bills create essential firewalls between local governance and federal immigration overreach, ensuring that Massachusetts remains a place where everyone can access emergency services, schools, and courts without fear.

• Learn more about Firewalls for Freedom

2. Protect "Technology for Liberty"

In an era of rapid digital expansion, our privacy rights must keep pace. Legislators need to support bills like the Location Privacy Act and measures to curb face surveillance. Protecting our digital "papers and effects" from warrantless government access is a fundamental necessity for a free society.

• Explore the Technology for Liberty agenda

3. Strengthen "Democracy & Voting Rights"

The right to vote is the foundation of all other liberties. We are calling for the passage of the Voting Rights Act, which would remove barriers to the ballot box and ensure that every voice in the Commonwealth—particularly in historically marginalized communities—is heard and represented.

• View the Democracy & Voting Rights priorities

4. Pass the PROTECT Act (HD.5608)

The PROTECT Act (An Act promoting rule of law, oversight, trust, and equal constitutional treatment) is a broad and vital legislative package filed by the Black and Latino Legislative Caucus. This bill overlaps with and reinforces our civil rights priorities by:

• Prohibiting state and local officials from sharing personal information with ICE.

• Requiring transparency in law enforcement hiring to ensure officers align with standards of bias-free policing.

• Establishing a secure locator system so families can find detained loved ones.

• Read more about the PROTECT Act via the MIRA Coalition

Here is a concise script designed to be read at a natural pace, ensuring the legislative aide can accurately capture the bill numbers and your primary request.

Shape the Democratic Party from Within: Attend Your Local Caucus

As our Senator Elizabeth Warren says: real change requires "inside lobbying and outside pressure". While Indivisible and its allies lead the "outside" game with street action and calls to shift public opinion, we must also show up to change the Democratic Party from the "inside".

This month, your local Democratic Town Committee is holding its caucus. This is where we bridge the gap between the street and the state house:

• The Inside Game: Registered Democrats can run for or elect delegates to the Democratic State Convention—the body that shapes party policy and selects statewide candidates.

• Direct Advocacy: Meet local and state candidates face-to-face to ensure they hear our progressive priorities before the platform is set.

• Build Power: Use your seat at the table to ensure our "outside" energy is translated into "inside" action.

Find your town’s meeting date and time on this Caucus Schedule and help steer the party toward a more progressive future.

NK3: Early Planning Tips & Tools

 

No Kings 3 Tips & Tools:
Setting an Event Date & Time

No Kings 3 is six weeks away, giving organizers time to plan ahead for a well-attended, successful event! We'll share tips and tools for every stage of planning from now until March 28. First up: setting up your event.

Tip1: Choose your date and time strategically.

• Start by reviewing the No Kings 3 event list on Mobilize to see what is already planned near you.
• Look at neighboring towns within driving distance and choose a time that complements nearby events rather than overlapping with them. 
• Most No Kings events will take place midday. No Kings National asks that most events end by sunset. 
• Before finalizing, check in with your organizing team and any potential speakers to confirm availability. 
• Check local community calendars to avoid unintentional conflicts. A 5K fun run in the same park at the same time is a recipe for chaos. Also check with organizations that tend to hold weekend events at or very near your location. A wedding at a nearby church can create traffic, parking issues, and unnecessary tension. 
• If you or attendees may also want to attend the Boston No Kings event, consider scheduling your event earlier in the day so attendees have time to catch the train afterward.

Tip 2: Choose a high-visibility public location.

• No Kings events should take place in public, high-visibility spaces such as city halls, town commons, state capitols, major parks, or other high-traffic outdoor areas. Visibility matters.
• Avoid private business locations, and do not center events on boycott actions. (E.g., do not plan your event in front of a Citizens Bank so that you can boycott at the same time.) 
• Events should never block entrances or exits. The goal is to be peaceful, visible, and community-centered.
• Consider public parking. Try to center locations where there are a variety of free weekend parking options.

Tip 3: Register your event on Mobilize ASAP.

• Once your time and location are set, register your event through Mobilize, so it appears on the national No Kings map. This allows the national team to promote your event and helps recruit attendees. 
• After registering, complete the required Host Survey (search “NO KINGS Host Survey” in the email account you used to register). The survey confirms your safety plan and asks you to identify safety and media leads so materials can be shipped and support coordinated.
• Use your Mobilize event link (and ask anyone helping you spread the word to use it) so you can start building a list of attendees. This will help you plan for capacity, communicate updates quickly, and demonstrate the growing support for No Kings 3.

For more detailed information, check out the No Kings 3 Host Toolkit.

Franklin: Neighbors Protecting Neighbors

Immigration enforcement is increasingly visible in our communities, creating fear and uncertainty for many of our neighbors.

Join us for an evening of learning and discussion with Heather Yountz of the Massachusetts Law Reform Institute and local volunteers connected to Signs of Solidarity and LUCE. We will share what is happening now, how communities are responding, and practical ways to support immigrant neighbors. The evening will include a presentation, small group discussion, and shared resources. All are welcome.

Hosted by Resistance Rising, a democracy action group of the Upper Charles region. 

The event will be Tuesday, January 20 from 7-9 in Franklin. Register here for location details.

ICE Out for Good Event Listing

 

There will be events in the coming few days in the Upper Charles region to mourn the loss of Renee Nicole Macklin Good who was shot and killed by an ICE agent in Minneapolis. We also mourn the 32 others that have died in ICE custody last year.

Follow this blog entry for a list. 

• Thursday 1/8     6:00PM-  7:00PM Vigil at Franklin Common
• Friday      1/9     5:00PM-  6:00PM Vigil at Millis Town Hall
• Saturday  1/10   9:30AM-11:00AM Mendon: Rte 16 & North
• Saturday  1/10 10:00AM-11:00AM Standout Walpole Common
• Saturday 1/10 11:30AM- 1:00PM Natick Common
• Saturday  1/10  1:30PM-   2:30PM Standout at Holliston Town Hall & Congregational Church
• Sunday    1/11  1:00PM-   2:00PM Standout Sherborn at Unitarian Church, 11 Washington St. 

For more events open this mobilize search.

Tips for Cold Weather Demonstrations

Cold weather adds real challenges to demonstrations, but planning ahead can keep you safe and comfortable. Dress in layers, cover exposed skin, and come with supplies that help you and others stay warm, hydrated, and energized. Here are a few tips we've gathered from the web.

Clothing & Warmth

• Wear multiple layers: a base layer, insulating mid-layers like fleece or wool, and a wind-resistant, waterproof outer layer.

• Wear two pairs of socks. Standing on cold concrete surfaces can drain the warmth from your body quickly.

• Cover your head, hands, feet, and face with a warm hat, gloves or mittens, wool socks, and a scarf or neck gaiter.

• Invest in some hand and foot warmers.

Supplies to Bring

• Bring water and hot drinks. Hydration matters even when it’s cold. We often don’t feel thirsty, but our bodies still need fluids.

• Bring snacks (energy bars, nuts). Your body burns more calories in cold weather to stay warm. 

Staying Comfortable & Safe

• Keep moving occasionally so your blood keeps circulating, and you don’t cool down too fast.

• Avoid cotton next to your skin. It traps moisture and loses insulating ability when wet.

• If you start shivering uncontrollably or notice numb or discolored extremities, go somewhere warm immediately.

Look Out for Each Other

• Bring extra gloves, hats, socks, water, and snacks to share with others who might not be as prepared. 

• Stay aware of weather conditions and plan for breaks indoors if possible.

Planning ahead keeps winter demonstrations safe, sustainable, and effective for everyone. Always check event details with the group sponsoring the action before you head out. Event details can change at the last minute, especially in inclement weather.

Bellingham Indivisible Founding

A new Indivisible group is starting up in Bellingham! All residents of Bellingham and the surrounding towns are welcome to join. For more information, visit our website, find us on Facebook, or email us at bellinghamindivisible@gmail.com

Bellingham MA Indivisible's first meeting will be held virtually on Thursday November 13th, 6pm-7pm. More details are available on our website and Facebook page.