The Witching Hour is HausWitch's attempt to help our community stay accountable for their activism. We call representatives, senators and other government officials from around the Salem, MA area about things we care about and donate to local causes. This time we also heard from the International Institute of New England to try and broaden our understanding of immigration policies and the world.
The next one is April 11th at 7pm at the shop. Can't make it to The Witching Hour? Too far away? Thinking about starting your own accountability group? Two words: Do it! Email hello@hauswitch.com if you need a little guidance.
We’re still collecting donations for the new community space in The Point!
They’ve reached almost $8,000 and need $22K more for the match with MassDevelopment. Donations at the table at the front of the store at the next event or online here.
Walk for HAWC is on April 30th and 30% of our Hex the Patriarchy print $$$ will go to support HAWC! (Pictured above.)
The purpose of HAWC is to create social change by taking action against personal and societal patterns of violence and oppression. HAWC provides services and support to victims of domestic violence residing in 23 cities and towns on Massachusetts’ North Shore in order that they may make informed, independent decisions about their futures. We'll be participating in the Walk for HAWC so we hope to see you there!
Next meeting we're collecting donations for the IINE.
We're looking for unused household items:
- cleaning supplies (detergent, dish soap, sponges, etc.)
- cooking supplies (pots, pans, spoons, spatulas, etc.)
- Shampoo, conditioner, body wash
- Feminine products
1. Take a moment to BREATHE
2. Learn about the International Institute of New England.
This time around we had a visiting speaker from the IINE! Learn more about this cause and message at their site here. From their site: “The mission of the International Institute of New England is to invest in the future of our cities and towns by preparing refugees and immigrants for participation in the social, economic and political richness of American life through active citizenship.”
3. Call Seth Moulton: (Check out https://5calls.org/ for more scripts and your local area's numbers for these causes.)
+1 202-225-8020 (Office of Seth Moulton, our Rep in the House)
+1 978-531-1669 (Secondary Local Number if mailbox is full)
Hi, my name is [NAME] and I’m a constituent from [CITY, ZIP].
I'm calling to oppose S.J. Res. 34, the repeal of the FCC's internet privacy rule. Broadband providers should not be able to gather sensitive data about their unsuspecting customers and sell it to the highest bidder.
I'm calling in opposition to Trump's proposed budget cuts to the EPA and other programs that fight climate change and promote renewable energy. Environmentally friendly policies will create new jobs in clean energy, and are critical to the health and safety of all Americans.
I oppose any budget proposal that disproportionately harms the poor, elderly, and other vulnerable citizens. Particularly, budget cuts to critical social support services, in particular the severe cuts to Community Development Block Grants, which are used for safety net programs such as Meals on Wheels.
[Optional: include a brief story about someone you know who has been or will be affected by cuts to social safety net programs.]
I’m against the elimination of funding for the National Endowment for the Arts, National Endowment for the Humanities, and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. The total cost of these programs is a tiny fraction of the federal budget but they deliver a wealth of art, culture, education, and joy to our communities.
Thank you for your time and attention.
[IF LEAVING A VOICEMAIL: please leave your full street address to ensure your call is tallied]
4. Call Ed Markey and/or Elizabeth Warren
+1 202-224-2742 (Office of Edward J. Markey, one of our Senators)
+1 202-224-4543 (Office of Elizabeth Warren, one of our Senators)
Hi, my name is [NAME] and I’m a constituent from [CITY, @ # STREET, ZIP].
I’m calling today for a couple reasons. I’m opposed to [S.446 for Senate]. This bill would invalidate state-level concealed carry restrictions, make it difficult for law enforcement to verify whether a weapon is legally carried, and essentially allow permitless carry across the country.
I’m calling to express my opposition to the nomination of Neil Gorsuch to the Supreme Court. President Trump is currently under FBI investigation for his ties to Russia and must not be allowed to appoint a justice given the unresolved questions about his presidency's legitimacy.
I’m calling in opposition to [S.237 for Senate] the Lawsuit Abuse and Reduction Act. This law is a direct attack on trial attorneys and will limit the ability of hardworking everyday Americans to seek legal justice.
Thank you for your hard work answering the phones.
[IF LEAVING A VOICEMAIL: please leave your full street address to ensure your call is tallied]
5. Call your city councilors about the Salem MA Sanctuary City Ordinance and come to the final vote on Wednesday, March 29th at 6pm at Bentley Charter School.
Jerry Ryan 978-744-1674
Arthur Sargent 978-745-1055Councillor at Large - President
Elaine Milo 978-290-0821
Ward 7
Steven Dibble 978-744-7315
Ward 3
Stephen Lovely 978-745-8274
7. Choose two events and go to them before the next Witching Hour. Find a buddy, or a few, and carpool.
Find all links to Facebook Events in our Google Doc: http://bit.ly/WitchingHourDoc
Before the Full Moon on 04/11/17:
03/29/17 - 6pm - Sanctuary for Peace Committee Hearing @ Bentley School, 25 Memorial Dr., in the Cafetorium, WEAR WHITE
03/29/17 - Feminist Art Wednesday
03/29/17 - Real Talk: The Voices of Immigration, Pt 2.
03/30/17 - Political Happy Hour with Seth Moulton
03/31/17 - JBB After Hours: Activist Reading Exchange
04/01/17 - Uhuru Solidarity Movement National Convention 2017
04/01/17 - Wicked Queer: Boston LGBT Film Festival
04/02/17 - Open Mosque Day Boston
04/05/17 - Immigrants' Day at the State House
04/05/17 - Suitcase Stories Live! Concord, MA (IINE!)
04/06/17 - Beyond Walls Kickoff Party & Fundraiser
04/06/17 - ECCO Legislative Assembly - Criminal Justice Reform
04/07/17 - Salsa for Schools!
04/07/17 - Feminist Fiber Art Craft Night
04/08/17 - Rally to Take Back Health
04/08/17 - A Night of Music and Solidarity: Show Up for the ACLU
Friendly Reminder:
Our Moon Meditation starts at 8pm. If you come to The Witching Hour to get political and then want to stay for the meditation and feelings time please remember to buy your ticket ahead of time next time at stag.hauswitch.com/events. You don’t have to go home, but you can’t stay in the shop…without a ticket ;).
Questions? Email hello@hauswitch.com.
