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



    Friday, February 27, 2026

     









    Watch Resist and Reimagine: Lessons from Minnesota on Fighting Authoritarianism



    Check out BlogSpothttps://nqindivisible.blogspot.com

    Emailindivisiblenorthquabbin@gmail.com


    No Kings 3 on March 28th - What is the Plan?

    Indivisible North Quabbin will hold a Stand Out at Memorial Park in Orange from 11-12noon.   Then we will walk 4 blocks north to the First Universalist Church (31 N. Main St.).  There we will have music (both instrumental and vocal).  Come ready to sing.  Speakers will talk very briefly about the teams now working on projects such as Voting, Community Outreach & Self-Sufficiency (COSS) - Mutual Aid, Rapid Response and other activities.  In the downstairs community room there will be light refreshments and more information about the work we are doing.  Gather with other community members for conversation and light snacks until 1:30 or 2.

    We hope many people will attend one or both and understand if you only attend one and want to attend an event in another area or have other things to do.  Please sign up on www.mobilize.us.


    Singing Resistance – Feb. 28th Stand Out 11-12noon -- Learn and sing some of the newer songs coming out of Minneapolis.  People who are interested in singing with us should join us at the south end of the park, where  a group of us will be leading the singing of old and new songs.



    https://www.youtube.com/live/G5q9EzmNplM?si=LE-_Bsnr30Jay24e  This is a good discussion of strategies and work being done in Minnesota that holds lessons for us.


    Committee Work – What is Happening? The Steering Committee is working on plans for No Kings 3 Some subcommittees are working on organizing music, speakers, food, publicity and peacekeepers.  If you would like to help please email us at indivisiblenorthquabbin@gmail.com

    Working Group Projects

    COSS/Mutual Aid – Help the Orange Food Pantry with personal care item donations. People may take donations to 81 E. River St. on Mondays from  10-1 p.m.  Volunteers are needed – send email to orangepantry@fccmp.org.

    Voting Team – Join others to work on postcards, voter registration, and/or voter suppression. The full Voting Team will meet on Feb. 27th at 3:30. Email indivisiblenorthquabbin@gmail.com to join this working group.  Postcards to address, write, and mail with stamps will be available at No Kings3 on March 28.  The cost is $10 (cash only to cover stamps and cards.)


    Peacekeepers: Let us know if you'd like to join the team to help keep the peace at No Kings 3 on March 28. A 90-minute, live, on-line training session is required and can be taken on February 25 or March 11 or March 25 from 7:30pm-9pm (link to register https://www.mobilize.us/indivisible/event/881283/). The only other requirement is your attendance at our March 21 peacekeepers meeting, 12:15-1:30. This is a chance to meet other PK team members  and become familiar with the logistical plan for the park and walk to the church.

    Watch for updates and other events on  https://nqindivisible.blogspot.com.  We are in the process of keeping it more up-to-date.


    OTHER EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES IN THE REGION – Use Links below to get information

    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.org Trainings on Zoom and recorded on YouTube https://www.nokings.org/trainings  -  Check out future trainings and recordings of past trainings.  Use the following links to find other actions/events.  Worcester also has a good site.

    Mobilize.us                 https://www.indivisiblewestquabbin.org

    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.