3 Things You can Do to Help, Right Now (Update March 24th)

Coronavirus Nurse
Coronavirus Nurse

Advance #ShutDownMASS, Join Neighborhood Aid Network, and Support Jobs with Justice!

First of all we want to make sure that you’re OK. The safety of our members and supporters is the most important thing for Massachusetts Peace Action. If you have any specific concerns or questions please contact us at 617-354-2169 or info@masspeaceaction.org. we’ll put you in touch with the appropriate person.

We also know that if you’re receiving this message, you’re most likely thinking about ways that you can help. We wanted to give you two opportunities to do so right away. 

1.) Interested in helping your neighbors with, or need to request help with groceries, financial aid, transportation, or housing? Join Neighborhood Aid Network:

“We know social distancing works. Hi NeighborBut it needs to be accompanied by an equal effort toward creating local mutual aid networks. Social Distance Does Not Equal Social Isolation. Neighbors need to help neighbors right now, and this will be especially true for vulnerable populations like the elderly, or people who are quarantined. People may need help obtaining groceries or supplies. Most importantly, they will know they are not alone. 

The Neighborhood Aid Network has a simple goal: Provide a central place where neighborhood digital platforms can aggregate and standardize and where volunteers receive information and training. We hope this academic-community partnership will help to mobilize the Boston area’s rich communal and institutional resources to meet this serious new challenge.”

#ShutDownMASS2.) Thanks to your advocacy Gov. Baker has #ShutDownMASS, but more is needed!  Read about next steps.

Thanks to pressure from activists and public officials across the Commonwealth, Governor Baker has shut down all non-essential businesses in Massachusetts.

“I think it was the right call,” said State Representative Mike Connolly (D — Cambridge), who previously urged Baker to take action in an open letter signed by dozens of other elected officials.

“I would have liked to see this announcement come early last week,” Connolly added. “Unfortunately, I think we will see many more cases that would have otherwise been prevented. But nevertheless, I’m glad and relieved to see the call came today.”

Connolly is now calling for:

  1. Ways to narrow and adjust the list of what’s considered an essential job
  2. Stronger benefits and protections for those doing truly essential jobs
  3. Increased benefits and support to help all people survive this prolonged crisis.

Gov. Baker hasn’t gone far enough. For instance, the defense industry is considered essential. Workers at Raytheon and other manufacturers would do far more to keep us safe by staying home, slowing the spread of COVID-19.

Tell Congress We Demand3) Demand Justice for Working People

It is critical that the burden of society’s response to coronavirus not fall on workers, unemployed, homeless, and undocumented people.  As a start, sign a petition to Halt Foreclosures and Evictions during the COVID-19 Emergency and call to Demand Paid Sick Leave for All Working People

It’s easy to feel powerless in a crisis. Doing constructive things, even if they’re small, can make you feel better. If you have other ideas on helpful things that people can do at this time we would love to hear them. Write us at info@masspeaceaction.org

To protect yourself and your neighbors please follow the guidelines at Massachusetts Public HealthCDC information, and White House Coronavirus Guidelines for America.

To read scientific information on Coronavirus from our Board cochair Jonathan King, MIT Professor of Molecular Biology, click here.