Check your mailboxes. Your invitation to our 47th Annual Meeting and Potluck is in the mail. And mark your calendars.
On Sunday, May 31, Watertown Citizens for Peace, Justice, and the Environment will hold its 47th Annual Meeting and Potluck Dinner! We will gather at First Parish of Watertown at 35 Church Street from 5:00 PM to 8:15 PM under the banner, “Resistance and Inspiration”.
Bring a dish to share and catch up. We will provide the drinks. And stay for the program.
5:00-6:00 PM Pot Luck 6:15-7:15 Business Meeting 7:15-8:15 Speaker and Discussion
Last year we came together to build community and support each other in difficult times. The challenges we faced then have only grown – increasing attacks on our civil liberties and on immigrant and marginalized communities; continuing cuts in funding for basic needs – affordable housing, healthcare, and education; destruction of environmental protections and the expansion of fossil fuels; and unabetted illegal military actions causing death and injury to hundreds of thousands. Fortunately, the past year has also been marked by larger and larger mass demonstrations throughout the country, at state houses, and in local communities.
So, what might be the future direction of resistance and inspiration? Our guest speaker, labor historian and author, Jeremy Brecher will address the question by sharing his idea of how a General Strike can be transformed into a National Social Strike. Harris Gruman, Executive Director of SEIU Mass. State Council, and Eileen Ryan, a local leader and artist with Indivisible Progressive Watertown, will respond to Mr. Brecher as well as offer their own perspectives on future directions. There will be plenty of time for you to contribute to this important conversation.
As in the past, following the potluck we will have a short business meeting, hear from our Working Groups, and elect the Steering Committee. We are looking for new volunteers to join the Steering Committee. Could this be a role for you?
Most importantly, the Annual Meeting is the one time we appeal for your financial support to cover our general operating expenses. Considering the challenges our country faces, the Steering Committee has embarked on a major effort to make Watertown Citizens an even more valuable community-based organization. DONATE HERE
We will share our new mission statement, expanded descriptions of our Working Groups, and new website at the meeting. If there ever was a time to demonstrate your support for all that Watertown Citizens has done and will continue to do, now is that time!
Hope to see you on May 31!
Steering Committee, WCPJE
Teo Evans, Jacqui Gross, Sue-Ellen Hershman-Tcherepnin, Tony Palomba, Deborah Peterson, Pam Phillips, Jeanne Trubek, and Jennifer Wolfrum.