Wednesday, April 22, 2026

         NATIONAL DAY OF ACTION - STOP ICE 
                     WAREHOUSE DETENTION

 

This Saturday, April 25th, we will be joining other groups around the country in a National Day of Action to Stop ICE Warehouse Detention. At the Standout, look for tables with information about the rapid expansion of detention warehouses around the country and the need to stop them.  

Ruth Suyenaga, a member of the INQ Steering Committee, wrote an article about ICE Warehouse Detention with historical ties to her family: “My grandfather was incarcerated in remote detention camps with 120,000 Japanese Americans without due process for years for no reason other than his race…" https://recorder.com/2026/04/21/my-turn-stopping-ice-warehouse-detention/


We will also have postcard packets to register voters in Georgia and INQ t-shirts at tables at the Stand Out. If you would like to make a new sign to bring, here are some ideas that go with this important theme that we will be emphasizing throughout this year:

--No ICE warehouses

--Shut down detention warehouses

--No kids in cages

--Warehouses are for packages, not people

--Cages are not for people

--Prison without due process is a concentration camp

Volunteers have made around 20 signs with this theme that you can

borrow for the standout that will be on the orange bench facing South Main Street.


For more information on ICE Warehouse Detention, follow these link

MAY DAY-- NO SHOPPING, NO WORK, NO SCHOOL      
MAKE LIFE AFFORDABLE AND JUST FOR ALL
Join May Day Actions on Friday, May 1st.  Take a Pledge to do what you can to support 
May Day Strong in 2026.  In this area you can join one of the larger actions in Greenfield, Holyoke, or Worcester.  Meanwhile Indivisible North Quabbin will have their regular Saturday Stand Out on Sat., May 2 from 11-12 noon.  We continue to have 60-70 people at Memorial Park in Orange every Saturday and have been doing this for over a year.

In several cities, labor unions are taking the lead with events along with teacher unions, associations, and students doing actions at some schools.  Below are times and locations for several large May Day gatherings on Fri., May 1st in Massachusetts (see HERE).  You can check out Mobilize.org for others and more details on ones listed below.
  • Greenfield - May Day Rally on Friday from 12-1 p.m. on Common
  • Holyoke (Heritage & Dwight St.) on Friday from 4:30-6:30.  March with Labor Council and others.  People from Northampton & other towns will be joining.
  • UMass - Amherst -- Students Rise Up starting at 10 a.m.
  • Worcester City Hall (455 Main St.) -- 4-6 p.m.
OTHER NEWS AND PLANNING
 
The Steering Committee of Indivisible No. Quabbin is working to plan activities  for May including continuing the weekly Stand Outs and planning for a general   member meeting/social gathering to help plan our work in coming months. We are also working to increase the number of people involved with working groups such as those concerned with voting issues, mutual aid, and planning special events.   If you are interested in working on any of these or other issues or in joining the Steering Committee, please send an email to indivisiblenorthquabbin@gmail.com. 

In April letter writing to both the U. S. Congress and the MA State Legislature happened.  Several people helped get signatures on letters to leaders of the MA Legislature to ask that Bills regarding Immigration Issues that pertain to more protection for immigrants come to a vote as soon as possible.  The letter to our elected officials in Congress asked that Democrats work to get bolder leadership so we have a better chance to win elections and get progressive leadership in Congress.  We hope to continue this and other work in the coming months.

Watch for late Spring and Summer activities related to the Nov., 2026 elections and work in our own communities with mutual aid, voter registration, educational programs and other activities.



 Towns represented include: Athol, Orange, Erving, Royalston, Warwick, Wendell, New Salem, Petersham, Phillipston                                                       Email: indivisiblenorthquabbin@gmail.com Blog:   nqindivisible.blogspot.com

 













Thursday, April 16, 2026

Newsletter - April 15, 2026

 

North Quabbin Towns of Orange, Athol, Warwick, Wendell, Erving, Petersham, New Salem, Phillipston and  Royalston  

nqindivisible.blogspot.com -- indivisiblenorthquabbin@gmail.com

National Actions in upcoming weeks --                                      

April 25th - Communities Not Cages National Day of Action  

Indivisible National is calling for a national day of action to combat ICE detention centers on April 25. The Trump administration is converting warehouses across the country into mass detention facilities — and communities are already fighting back.  Sign up for this Special Stand Out on Sat., April 25th from 11-12noon. https://www.mobilize.us/disappearedinamerica/event/939289/. Check out the website at

to learn more about this project. Or check out  bit.ly/noicewarehouseBring your own sign or get a sign at the Stand Out.

May Day Strong  -- May 1, 2026    --    Join with unions as allies to protest on this date. Indivisible Massachusetts Coalition (IMC) suggests arranging field trips/ride shares to the main large events in Greenfield, Boston, Worcester, Holyoke to show solidarity in large numbers rather than many smaller events like NK protests have done.  May Day is celebrated as International Workers' Day, which recognizes labor rights with protests and rallies.  Check out Mobilize.us and look for the place where you wish to attend May Day Strong rallies and events

Workers over Billionaires. No ICE. No war. Hands off our vote.

 

Actions YOU can take now --

Work with others to write and sign letters:  
  • Signatures Wanted: Norah Dooley and Amy Newland have written a letter to Sen. Markey, Sen. Warren and Rep. McGovern emphasizing recent wins for progressive candidates and how the campaigns of these winners need to be replicated if the Democratic party hopes to attract the greatest number of disaffected or undecided voters in upcoming primaries. Their argument reflects Indivisible's stance, so they’re looking for people at the Saturday standout who will want to add their signatures."
  • A letter regarding Immigration Bills in the MA State Legislature was sent to the House and Senate Leadership with close to 60 signatures from Indivisible North Quabbin this week.
  • You can also get postcards to write from the Voting Team.  Email indivisiblenorthquabbin@gmail.com if you want to work on this project.
Local Projects --
  • Mutual Aid and Community Outreach and Self-Sufficiency  --  The Orange Food Pantry still needs regular volunteers, especially on Thursdays when they are open and also Saturdays when they will soon be open.  Donations for Quality of Life items such as personal care and cleaning items are also still needed.  There is usually someone at the Orange Food Pantry on Mondays and Wednesdays until 1 who can accept donations. Thursday from 10-3 is Distribution Day. Several people from Indivisible North Quabbin are helping the Pantry in many ways to supply food for many people in the community.
  • Watch for a Special Community Meeting in the Coming Weeks to Discuss "What Next after No Kings 3". This meeting will be set up with food and a focused discussion about work now and in the future.
  • Enjoy music with community members -- Join singers for an evening of "Patriotism, Protest and Peace" Sing along with the Songs of Americana on Sat., April 18th at 7 pm. at the 1st Universalist Church, 31 N. Main St. in Orange. Fundraiser for 1794 Meetinghouse in New Salem. Suggested Donation -- $20 for adults and $10 -- ages 12-17. Refreshments served.



Thursday, April 9, 2026

Indivisible No. Quabbin -- What Next?


 
No Kings 3 -- What Next?

Thinking About What Next for Indivisible North Quabbin -- After a successful No Kings 3 in Orange with more than 500 people, the INQ Steering Committee brain-stormed ideas for next steps last Saturday. Below are listed some of the ideas and some details to give people more information.

Ideas from Steering Committee included:
  • Themes for Saturday Stand Outs -- For example "Communities Not Cages" on Sat., April 25 to stand with National Action and have special signs + info. at Stand Out. 

Proposed that we gather to:

    • Show visible, public opposition to ICE detention expansion and the criminalization of immigration
    • Stand in solidarity with detained immigrants and the communities fighting to protect them
    • Demand that our elected officials defend due process for everyone

  • Community Gatherings - Organize an in-person meeting and potluck to bring all Indivisible North Quabbin members together.  Discuss some of the following:
    • What should we do next?  How do we work to involve more people to work on voting issues, legislative matters, mutual aid and other actions related to going forward?
    • Enjoy good food and conversation together.

  •     May Day-- Friday, May 1 -- 

        Check out Events in your area -- NO WORK, NO SCHOOL, 
       NO SHOPPING -- Try it for May 1st.  If you are retired, do 
        not shop that day.  The Challenge -- See if we can make a           dent  in American spending and supporting large           corporations. You can also look for local events in your area.  See    www.MayDayStrong.org.  
    • No ICE. No war.  No private army serving authoritarian power.
    • Expand democracy. Hands off our vote.
    Check out area events in Greenfield, Worcester, Amherst, Holyoke.
    • Continue to Support Mutual Aid and Community Outreach & Self-Sufficiency -- Since October people involved with Indivisible North Quabbin have contributed food and personal care items along with volunteer hours to the Orange Food Pantry in Orange.  Even though the Pantry was scheduled to open during the summer, it did not.  Invisible No. Quabbin did a food drive and started working with other volunteers to open outside under a tent in November.  Now the Pantry is in its new home with staff and working with getting food from Western MA Food Bank and other places.  The Orange Food Pantry still needs regular volunteers, especially on Thursdays when they are open and also Saturdays when they will soon be open.  Donations for Quality of Life items such as personal care and cleaning items are still needed.  Other ideas were also listed such as a Fall Fundraiser for Community Bridge Fund, and a summer Community Cares Fair to give people an idea of community resources.             
    • Voting Team -- The Voting Team is very active with three subcommittees working on voter registration, postcard campaigns, and voter suppression.  The whole Voting Team will meet on Thurs., April 30th from 5:30-7 p.m.  If you are new and want to join this team email indivisiblenorthquabbin@gmail.com, and we will put you in touch with the Team Leader.        
    • Other ideas for activities include learning about Circles of Care, more on advocacy and state legislation regarding immigration, a special 4th of July event.  If you have other ideas for actions and events, please send them to indivisiblenorthquabbin@gmail.com.   We will need help organizing a community gathering for all members of Indivisible No. Quabbin soon.

    Links to other groups in MA

    Indivisible Worcester Newsletter and Events -- https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ui=2&ik=ed1074bf92&view=lg&permmsgid=msg-f:1861961397796425940

    Indivisible SE MA - Do Something  -- www.dosomethingsc.org 

    Other Links with groups that have a list of events


    Thursday, April 2, 2026

     




    indivisiblenorthquabbin@gmail.com

    NO KINGS 3 a SUCCESS in ORANGE, MA

    The No Kings 3 Event at Memorial Park  on March 28th was a success with over 500 people attending the Stand Out.  Even with the cold morning temperatures people started arriving at 10:30.  The Indivisible North Quabbin Steering Committee hopes that this event means people are ready to dig to do local and regional projects that focus on voting activities including sending postcards, voter registration and educating people about voter suppression to keep all elections fair.

    Activities also include joining with COSS (Community Outreach and Self-Sufficiency) to work on mutual aid projects such as continuing to collect personal care items for local food pantries in the North Quabbin such as the Orange Food Pantry and the ARRSD Family Center/Food Pantry.  Watch for ideas about fundraising for Mutual Aid and other projects in the region.

    Peacekeeper and Nonviolence work along with the Rapid Response Network (RRN) continue to be important parts of our work.  

    Weekly Stand Outs at Memorial Park Will Continue -- The weekly Stand Outs happen every Saturday from 11-12noon at Memorial Park.  It is a chance to meet neighbors and new people.  This allows people to have conversations and build community as we work for a strong movement to fight for democracy here and across the country.

    Photos- Top photo from Lynn Boudreau.  Link to Peter Navarro’s Slide show No Kings small.mp4.  We will highlight other photos in the coming weeks on https://nqindivisible.blogspot.com/ .  In case you missed news coverage see https://atholdailynews.com/2026/03/30/hundreds-gather-for-no-kings-protest-in-orange/


     

    Monday, March 30, 2026

     

    Check out BlogSpot -- https://nqindivisible.blogspot.com

    Email -- indivisiblenorthquabbin@gmail.com     (March 26, 2026)

    INDIVISIBLE NORTH QUABBIN (INQ) -- NO KINGS 3 in Orange

    Stand Out from 11 - 12noon

    Join with people at Memorial Park on South Main St.  Depot St. will be closed to traffic.  The "Singing Resistance" group from this area will lead us with songs and chants, and "If you would like to join folds singing resistance songs at the rally, they will be at the top of Depot St."  All are welcome to join.  Join us on Depot St. (closed to cars) and along So. Main St.  There is no standing on the Bridge over the Millers River.  The Gathering Place across from the park is open and has Red Resistance Hats (give a donation for materials).  Just before noon people will begin to assemble to walk on the sidewalk to the First Universalist Church on North Main St..




    Friday, March 20, 2026



    Check out BlogSpothttps://nqindivisible.blogspot.com

    Emailindivisiblenorthquabbin@gmail.com     March 19,2026


    INDIVISIBLE NORTH QUABBIN (INQ) -- NO KINGS 3 – MARCH 28, 2026

     Safety and Parking Information

    Important Safety Information –  PLEASE READ

    We are concerned about helping everyone stay safe during this important event.   

    LocationMemorial Park in Orange, MA from 11-12noon followed by a walk to a local church on No. Main St.  The front area of Memorial Park facing South Main St. is a busy street.  The bridge crossing the Millers River is NOT part of Stand Out area.  We cannot ensure your safety due to cars turning onto and off So. Main St. from Water St.  EMS vehicles need to access both streets quickly and return promptly.  Stepping off the curb into the road could lead to your serious injury.  Interference with EMS/911 vehicles is breaking the law. 

    Ø  INQ will have Depot St. next to railroad bridge closed for people to gather there and on sidewalks there as well as the park. Barricades will be put up so cars cannot drive on Depot St. with help from the police.  Remember we cannot block sidewalks when people want to walk past us.

    Ø  NO standing in the road except on Depot St. which will be closed to traffic.

    Ø  Nonviolence -- All over the country Indivisible.org and No Kings Alliance uphold the commitment to non-violence. INQ is a part of the Indivisible.org Network and upholds this as a core principle. INQ has trained Peacekeepers present (wearing colorful vests) who can help you avoid engaging with someone when your or they are feeling angry or out of control.  PLEASE seek them out.

    Ø  Walk to Church for indoor music, community, and refreshments -- When the Stand Out ends at 12noon, people will walk with others to the church on No. Main St. for music, making connections and hearing from our very active working groups. There is no parking lot at the church (limited on street parking). If an attendee has mobility problems, they should arrange to be dropped off at the church.  A police officer will help the group cross at the traffic lights one block north at intersection of South Main and East Main St.

    Parking Information

    The main parking lot is behind the Courthouse Building (One Court Square) or in the other parking area across from the Courthouse parking lot.  No parking in space north of Fire Station as building there holds the large ladder truck needed in fire emergencies – Pease do not park there. If the Courthouse lots are full you may find parking on E. Main St. behind the Public Library (closed on Sat.) and the Orange Armory further East on East Main St.  There is also some parking on East River St. that may be available.  There are not many public parking lots in the center of Orange so you may have to walk a few blocks. You may find space in Town Hall lot or across from the Corner Cafe after 11.

     

     More About about No Kings 3 in Orange

    Refreshments at Church -- If you plan to go to the event at the church, you may bring finger foods or snacks to share.  This is completely up to you.  If you plan to bring something, please let us know at indivisiblenorthquabbin@gmail.com.  Thank you.

    Music – Local musicians will play, and the “Singing Resistance Group” will lead a Sing Along.  The Singing Resistance Songbook can be found at   https://tinyurl.com/songbookSR , you may have to click on Songbook or may be there.  You can put it on your phone or print.  Some of these songs will be used on March 28, 2026 at the Park and later.


    Voting -- At No Kings 3, the Voting Team will have available postcard packets that contain 15 stamped postcards for $10. Pick up a packet at the Voting Tables at the church after the rally.

    Mutual Aid and Community Outreach and Self-Sufficiency (COSS) -- “Quality of Life” drive.  This includes collecting personal care and cleaning items along with toiletry items. We are planning a TP (Toiletry Products) Drive.  The Food Pantry has sources for food but relies on donations for other necessities. There will be a table set up for collection of items on March 28th, and the Orange Food Pantry Van will take items.


    Tuesday, March 10, 2026

    INQ Newsletter March 9, 2026

     

    Check out BlogSpothttps://nqindivisible.blogspot.com

    Emailindivisiblenorthquabbin@gmail.com  

    March 10,  2026

    No Kings 3 Plans for March 28th Coming Together!

    The Stand Out on February 28th was warmer, and over 100 people showed up to not only stand out but to sing with the “Singing Resistance” groups that are forming in the region.  Red hats are also more present as local groups are making hats for themselves and others. The Stand Out on March 7th was the 1st year anniversary of the Stand Outs in Orange as Indivisible No. Quabbin. And now people are planning for No Kings 3. It is exciting to feel that more people are getting involved.


    Nonviolence and Safety --A core principle behind all No Kings events is a commitment to nonviolent action.

    We expect all participants to seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation

    with those who disagree with our values and to act lawfully at these events.

    Weapons of any kind, including those legally permitted, should not be

    brought to events. Help us be respectful and not engage with people who disagree.

    Working Groups

    The Voting Team now has 15 members with people working on voter registration, voter suppression and postcard mailings.  Mutual Aid under the COSS Team continues its work with the Orange Food Pantry, and the Steering

    Ways People Can Help Build the Movement in MA before Mar. 28

    Ways to help include:

    https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/ -- Go to this link.  It should take you to a list of No Kings 3 events in the region.  You will also see that there are events in Barre, Belchertown, Amherst, Northampton, Gardner, Westminster, Greenfield, Fitchburg, Brattleboro, Keene,  and other places in the region.

    "Singing Resistance" -- Are you interested in singing old and new songs?  Let us know we have a small group who participated in a training to learn about this "singing peacekeepers" to help with large groups. 
    They will lead songs at Stand Outs and at an indoor singalong on March 28.  Go to  https://tinyurl.com/songbookSR and click on songbook.  Contact indivisiblenorthquabbin@gmail.com, if interested in helping.

    "Red Resistance" Hats  -- Are you interested in getting a red knitted hat or working with the Gathering Place?  Check out The Gathering Place in Orange on Facebook.  

    Reminder -- If you come to No Kings 3, do not engage with those who disagree.  It is a good time for a chant, song and de-escalation.
    See links below about Indivisible Trainings, State Legislation on Immigration, and other items below. 

    Important Links for Participants and for People Helping Organize

    Mobilize.us    -- Clink on link and see many activities in the area (Barre, Greenfield, Belchertown, Gardner, Fitchburg, Amherst, Northampton, Brattleboro, Keene, and others).

    Indivisible.org Trainings on Zoom and recorded on YouTube https://www.nokings.org/trainings  -  Check out future training sessions and recordings of past sessions.. 

    From ACLU in MA -- Act now to protect our communities!  This relates to Bills in the MA State Legislature.  

    Orange MA Training Active Bystanders – Sponsored Community Workshop (In Person) – Click on title to  register for training on March 20 @ 5:00 pm - 7:30 pm   Launch-Space 131 West Main Street, Suite 342, Orange, MA -  TAB Training Presented By Quabbin Mediation.  Training Active Bystanders (TAB) teaches how bystanders can interrupt harmful situations  --and generate positive actions.

     Indivisible Northampton-Swing Left WM Calendar       Franklin County  CPR


    North Quabbin Towns – Orange, Athol, Royalston, New Salem, Wendell, Warwick, Petersham, Phillipston, Erving.  Check out our Blog at https://nqindivisible.blogspot.com