Think you have a right to know what you’re eating? This is your chance to demand transparency in GMO food labeling.

The Massachusetts GMO labeling bill has the support of over 75 percent of the state legislature, but unless we make it a priority this session, it might not even get voted on! We know that the biotech and processed food industries are spending millions to keep us in the dark about what we’re eating. As I write this they are hard at work lobbying to pass the federal DARK (Deny Americans the Right to Know) Act, a bill that would prevent passage of any state or federal mandatory GMO labeling law.

This is the ONLY public hearing in 2015 or 2016, so it’s important to turn out in large numbers to demonstrate support. Please join with hundreds of other foodies, farmers and families on Sept. 22 in support of transparency in food labeling.

What: Public hearing on GMO Labeling Bill H.3242

When: September 22, 2015 at 1 pm until it ends (Meetup at 11:30 am with Press Event AND ICE CREAM at Noon)

Where: Massachusetts State House, Boston (Meeting outside Park St. T Station on the Boston Common at 11:30am with a Press Event at the nearby Brewer Fountain at Noon)

GMO-Free ice cream provided by Ben & Jerry’s! But only till 12:20 pm on the Common!

Can’t make it? You can still submit written testimony in support of GMO labeling. Even a few brief words will add up! You can submit your testimony to the committee on our website: http://marighttoknow.org/testimony

You can find all the details and RSVP at: marighttoknow.org/publichearing

Please consider joining us at the State House in Boston, and please spread the word to anyone who you think might be interested. Thank you for speaking up for commonsense food labeling.

On Monday, September 14th, Boston NAACP, in collaboration with The Berkman Center For Internet & Society at Harvard University and UMass Boston Professor Michael Johnson, will host its second conversation on planning and development processes and issues – and the need for community-led processes – highlighted by Boston’s attempt to bid to host the 2024 Olympics.

The following is a link to the FB invite: https://www.facebook.com/events/1493365124322250. We’d appreciate your help in spreading the word about this conversation.

Boston’s unsuccessful attempt to become the U.S. candidate for the 2024 Summer Olympic Games started a variety of powerful and important discussions about the future of Boston generally, many of which deserve to be continued. If we properly build on the momentum of these conversations, the legacy of Boston’s 2024 Olympic bid could be much more than regret and political division. It could instead usher in a new era of community engagement and involvement on major urban issues.

An opportunity has arisen to model a more democratic community planning process. I would therefore like to invite you to join me, Professor Johnson, the Berkman Center for Internet & Society at Harvard University, and other distinguished guests for dinner and discussion on September 14, 2015, from 6-9pm, so that together we can explore the possibilities offered by hosting the MINEPS VI conference, an international conference on youth and sport. More broadly, we will also be exploring new ways and tools with which Boston’s communities and citizens can more effectively discuss issues of significance, and make their voices heard in any related decision-making process.

The dinner will take place at Freedom House, 5 Crawford St., Dorchester, on September 14, 2015 from 6-9pm. If you are interested in attending, please RSVP to Annie Pruitt (apruitt(AT)cyber.law.harvard.edu) and Nia K. Evans (economicdev(AT)bostonnaacp.org) as soon as possible.

I very much hope that you can join us as we continue this important conversation.

September 27th – Rally at 2pm near proposed pipeline, 3 pm march through W. Roxbury. More details TBD.

Event info will be updated here: https://www.facebook.com/events/429857630547805

Jobs NOT Jails Public Forum

Tuesday October 6, 2015
Worcester Public Library, Saxe Room 6-8 p.m.

Are you for Job Creation instead of Mass Incarceration?

Join EPOCA, Neighbor to Neighbor and Worcester area Jobs NOT Jails supporters to hear testimonies on why it’s time for change and to learn about the Justice Reinvestment Act.

RSVP via Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/events/408832645983842

Jobs NOT Jails Justice Reinvestment Act – Joint Judiciary Committee Hearing

At the State House in Boston

Show your commitment to advance racial and economic justice. Don’t miss the Joint Judiciary Committee Hearing on Jobs NOT Jails omnibus legislation, the Justice Reinvestment Act at 1 p.m.

Join us at 11:00 am for a short rally and meeting with our legislators prior to the hearing. The Justice Reinvestment Act will improve justice and safety, reduce incarceration and invest millions of dollars to create jobs for struggling families.

Your involvement is key to the success of ending mass incarceration in Massachusetts. If you are interested in submitting written testimony in support of the bill or meeting with your legislators or both, please follow this link.

RSVP via Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/events/711607562301715

* * *

Summer might be ending, but the Summer of Solidarity is NOT Over!

Jobs NOT Jails is forming a network of people who are fighting to end mass incarceration and ensure living wage jobs for all people. Please join us! We are working to create powerful actions in small teams.

If you would like to get involved or if you’d like information about the next training, please click here.

The 31st annual Bread and Roses Heritage Festival is a FREE, open air, celebration of the ethnic diversity and labor history of Lawrence, Massachusetts, on the Campagnone (North) Common in Lawrence, from 11:30AM-6PM. It takes place in honor of the most significant event in Lawrence history: the 1912 Bread and Roses Strike.

Enjoy a day of musical, dance, and theatrical performances from a range of cultures. This is the region’s only true Labor Day festival. The day is full of fun, music, dancing, delicious food, helpful resources, and more!

Performers Include: Si Kahn, Bread and Puppet Theater, Angkor Dance Troupe, Squeezebox Stompers, O’Shea-Chaplin Irish Dancers, Lisbeth Perdomo, Henry the Juggler, and more!

When: Monday, September 7, 2015, 11:30 am to 6:00 pm
Where: Campagnone Common / 200 Common Street / Free / Lawrence