A calendar of protests, discussions and other events that aim to improve the world. Through Jan. 22, 2017.
Updated Jan. 17. To submit events to the list, email details and links to Weloveyoursubmissions At Gmail. Note: Event times and places sometimes change. Please follow the links to confirm details. Also we are unable to vet all of these events. And some trolls have been announcing fake events. Be careful.
Wednesday, Jan. 18
11:30 a.m. “January Housing, Homelessness, and Benefits Meeting.” Central Massachusetts Housing Alliance in Worcester hosts this “monthly forum on the issues of housing and homelessness.”
12:30 p.m. “Book Discussion: We are Market Basket.” Learning In Retirement hosts this discussion of Daniel Korschun and Grant Welker’s nonfiction book. Facilitated by Toby Hodes. At University Suites, Lowell, Mass.
4 p.m. “Women’s March Sign Painting.” Making signs for the Boston Women’s March. At Bradford Mill / Wheelhouse / ArtScape, Concord, Mass.
5 p.m. “Speak Up to Protect JP & Roxbury.” Organized by Keep It 100% For Egleston. “The City is close to approving Plan JP/Rox. … The plan is getting closer to protecting the neighborhood, but right now the affordability and more pieces are still not acceptable.” At Anna Cole Center, Boston.
6 p.m. “The Addiction Crisis: Offering Hope.” Panel discussion. At First Church in Sterling, Mass.
6 p.m. “MassBike: State of the Coalition.” Annual meeting. At MassBike, Boston.
6 p.m. “Women’s March Banner + Poster Making Party.” For the marches in Boston and D.C. At Practice Space, Cambridge.
6 p.m. “The Grab Back.” One-night group art show “that shares femininity in an empowering way.” To benefit Planned Parenthood. At Hatch Fenway, Boston.
6 p.m. “Responsibility of Boston’s Black Church in the Age of Trump.” Panel discussion. At the Grace Church of All Nations, 451 Washington St., Dorchester.
6 p.m. “Let’s Get Marching : non-violence training for marches/protests.” At Unitarian Universalist Urban Ministry, Roxbury, Boston.
6:30 p.m. “Harriet Tubman Forum on Race and Education.” United South End Settlements in Boston hosts a symposium on “racial inequality and the deep divisions that exist in our society.”
6:30 p.m. “Showing Up For Racial Justice General Meeting.” At YMCA Central Massachusetts, Worcester.
7 p.m. “Citizens for Voter Choice General Meeting.” “To advance ranked-choice voting in Massachusetts.”At Beacon Street, Boston.
7 p.m. “Author Event: A House Full of Females.” Laurel Thatcher Ulrich speaks about her nonfiction book about “Plural Marriage and Women’s Rights in Early Mormonism, 1835–1870.” At Harvard Book Store, Cambridge.
7 p.m. “Cambridge-Somerville For Change Organizing Meeting.” To “discuss new political challenges and the opportunities for progress in Massachusetts.” At Canopy Somerville, Mass.
7 p.m. “Watertown Citizens for Peace, Justice, and the Environment monthly meeting.” At Watertown Free Public Library.
7 p.m. “AG Maura Healey’s Post-Election Town Hall.” The Massachusetts attorney general speaks at Faith United Church, Springfield, Mass.
7 p.m. “History of Guerilla Theater for Artists and Creative Activists.” Phoenix Mayet discusses Bread and Puppet Theater, Act Up, Gorilla Girls, Pussy Riot and other groups. At Wrong Brain, Dover, N.H.
7 p.m. “Poster Making Open House.” ReSisters R-Evolution hosts this event. At First Church in Jamaica Plain Unitarian Universalist, Boston.
7 p.m. “13TH film & discussion.” Dinner, screening and discussion of the documentary about “the criminalization of African Americans and the U.S. prison boom.” At First Baptist Church in Jamaica Plain, Boston.
7 p.m. “Boston Hands Off Syria Coalition organizing meeting.” At Encuentro 5, Boston.
7 p.m. “Award Winning ‘Green’ Landscapes for Water and Wildlife.” Natasha Andjelic and Shavaun Towers of Towers/Golde Landscape Architects speak. Hosted by North and South Rivers Watershed Association. At South Shore Natural Science Center, Norwell, Mass.
Thursday, Jan. 19:
11 a.m. “ThanksObama Release Day.” Somerville Brewing releases a new “heartfealt stout ale called ThanksObama … in gratitude for marriage equality, healthcare reform, the protection of our civil liberties and eight years of progress.”
2 p.m. “Maine: Unity Protest of The Inauguration.” A protest “bringing together all communities who are afraid and angry to have a Trump/Pence administration.” At Monument Square, Portland, Maine.
3:30 p.m. “Our Students/Schools ARE NOT for sale.” To protest “proposed additional expansion of Achievement First Mayoral Academy.” At Classical High School, Providence.
3:30 p.m. “Free Bresha Day of Action.” Calling for the “immediate release [of Bresha Meadows] and for the charges against her to be dropped.” At Democracy Center, Cambridge.
4 p.m. “Immigration and Human Rights in 2017.” Panel discussion on “immigration to better understand who will be most affected by upcoming policy changes and what we can do as an Emerson community to proactively serve as allies.” At Bill Bordy Theater, Emerson College, Boston.
4 p.m. “End of the World Bunker Party!” “A space to drink, laugh, maybe cry, and give back to some organizations that we want to see continue to stand up and fight for our rights.” At Lord Hobo, Cambridge.
4:30 p.m. “Indivisible South East Mass!” A protest of Bristol County Sheriff Thomas Hodgson’s “plan to employ prisoners to build Trump’s Wall.” In front of the Bristol County Jail House, New Bedford.
5:15 p.m. “The Ghostlight Project: BeALight.” Part of a “nationwide collective, simultaneous action” a “ceremonial lighting outside Trinity Rep symbolizes the theater as a safe, brave space for all people.” At Trinity Repertory Company, Providence.
5:15 p.m. “Ghostlight Project gathering.” At Actors’ Shakespeare Project, Somerville.
5:30 p.m. “The Ghostlight Project.” ArtsEmerson and HowlRound join more than 100 theater companies across the United States to pledge “to create inclusive spaces by lighting up the night. Attendees are encouraged to bring any kind of electric light source, please no open flame.” Includes reading selections from the United States Constitution, reflection and discussion. At ArtsEmerson’s Cutler Majestic Theatre, Boston.
5:30 p.m. “The Ghostlight Project.” Boston Playwrights’ Theatre, Boston University School of Theatre and the BU Arts Initiative join in a nationwide event, in which people gather outside theaters “creating ‘light’ for challenging times ahead. Inspired by the tradition of leaving a ‘ghost light’ on in a darkened theater, artists and communities will make or renew a pledge to stand for and protect the values of inclusion, participation, and compassion for everyone.” At Boston University Arts Initiative, Boston.
5:30 p.m. “Building a Better Future Boston Biotech to benefit Friends of Boston’s Homeless.” Fundraiser including “listening to the cool jazz sounds of Ralph Peterson and the Berklee Ensemble, and mingling with Biotech professionals.” At Friends of Boston’s Homeless, Jamaica Plain, Boston.
5:30 p.m. “Love Our Students, Cherish Our Schools Boston Education Justice Alliance Town Hall.” Forum to learn about “the state of public education both federally and locally” and “learn about a community-driven path forward post-Question 2 and post-November 8, 2016 election.” At Madison Park Technical Vocational High School, Roxbury, Boston.
6 p.m. “Public Hearing: Boston Police Body Camera Pilot Program.” A “mid-program check-in” of the Boston Police Department’s pilot program for body-worn cameras “to discuss the progress with Commissioner Evans and members of the Boston Police Department, and program evalutors from Northeastern University.” At Mattapan Branch of the Boston Public Library, Boston.
6 p.m. “Opportunities and Challenges for the New Administration.” Tom Ashbook, host of WBUR’s On Point, “moderates a discussion on opportunities and challenges for the Trump administration.” At John F. Kennedy Library, Boston.
6 p.m. “Fight for 15 Phone Bank/Legislative Visits Training.” Phone bank to support Boston Democratic Socialists of America’s legislative agenda: “$15 minimum Wage, Paid Family Sick Leave, Millionaire’s Tax and the Trust Act (to protect immigrant communities).” At Encuentro 5, Boston.
6 p.m. “Community Support: Self-Care in the Current Political Climate.” Fenway Health in Boston’s Violence Recovery Program looks “at self-care strategies for navigating the current political climate.”
6:30 p.m. “Where Do We Go From Here?: What America Can Learn Today.” Panel discussion explores “the Civil War, Reconstruction and the unfinished business of uniting America … the historic complexities of the time and how we have progressed. What can America learn today?” At Rhode Island Black Heritage Society.
6:30 p.m. “Refuse to Accept A Fascist America! Emergency Social Forum.” “A call to action for academics and intellectuals” to “refuse to accept a fascist America.” At MIT Media Lab, Cambridge.
7 p.m. “Together We Rise: A Counter-Inaugural Celebration of Resistance.” Begins with a 7 p.m. procession from Mary Hannon Park to the Strand Theatre in Boston. There they will present a “mobilization fair” of activist groups, an art exhibit, and an 8 p.m. performance of music, poetry, comedy and testimonials. $10.
7 p.m. “Art is Life itself! hosted by Nina LaNegra.” Singer and pianist Lovely Hoffman talks about the Black Lives Matter song and video she created in the wake of the deaths of Michael Brown and Eric Garner in 2014. At Haley House Bakery Café, Roxbury, Boston.
7 p.m. “Immigration and the New Sanctuary Movement.” Essex County Community Organization hosts this event to discuss “how we can protect immigrant families as they come under attack in Trump’s administration by creating Sanctuary Cities and Sanctuary Congregations.” At Unitarian Universalist Church of Greater Lynn in Swampscott, Mass.
7 p.m. “350 Mass Greater Node Meeting.” Organizing “to stop Spectra’s Access Northeast gas pipeline.” At First Universalist Society, Franklin, Mass.
7 p.m. “Prayer Vigil on the Eve of the Inauguration.” Worcester Fellowship invites people “from the Muslim, Jewish and Christian traditions and those of other faiths to pray, hope and support one another on the eve of the Inauguration.” Worcester United Methodist Church, Worcester.
7 p.m. “January Greater Boston Chapter Meeting.” We The People hosts attorney and activist Sam Fieldman to talk about “the Article V convention strategy.” At Democracy Center, Cambridge.
7 p.m. “Democracy Talks: Donald Trump and the Republic.” UMass Boston professor Erin O’Brien applies “the lens of political science to the transition in our executive branch.” At Watertown Free Public Library.
7:15 p.m. “What is Sanctuary?: A Community Conversation.” The Merrimack Valley Project hosts a discussion about how religious leaders might create “sanctuary congregations” and join “the network to support undocumented immigrants.” At St. Patrick’s Parish Hall, Lowell.
7:30 p.m. Ukulele Flash Mob for those “heartsick by the election.” Performs the song “The Hanging Tree” from the ‘The Hunger Games” movie. Inside Boston’s South Station. Free.
8 p.m. “Incident at Vichy.” Praxis Stage, performs Arthur Miller’s 1964 play about the Nazi occupation of France during World War II. Organizers say it addresses “portents of fascism [that Trump] and his movement embody.” At Inner Sanctum in Boston’s Roxbury neighborhood. Additional performances on Jan. 20, 21, 22, 25 and 26. $10.
Friday, Jan. 20
10 a.m. “Dim Sum Dissidence: Not My Inauguration.” Union of Minority Neighborhoods invites people to mark Trump’s inauguration “by catche[ng] the matinee and then go together as community to Chinatown for DimSum, where we can break bread and talk about how to build power in our communities.” At AMC Loews Boston Common, Boston.
11:08 a.m. “January 20: PVD Walkout in Solidarity.” Students from Providence high schools “walkout in protest against policies under the Trump administration” and rally at the Rhode Island State House, Providence. Organized by Providence Student Union and Youth In Action.”
11:30 a.m. “Presidential Inauguration Watch & Conversation.” At Tufts’ Tisch College of Civil Life, Medford.
Noon. “Inauguration Day.” Engaging Peace is organizing this event of participatory spoken word and song. At Boston Common.
Noon. “Inauguration Day Vigil of Hope and Concern.” NH Peace Action is organizing the event. At New Hampshire State House, Concord, N.H.
12:45 p.m. “Walk Out On Inauguration Day to Protest Trump.” Worcester Socialist Alternative asks people to “walk out of our schools and jobs to … protest Trump’s agenda.” Rally outside Worcester City Hall.
1 p.m. “Moving Forward United Boston.” Rally at Boston Common in favor of “LGBTQ+, people of color, women, people with disabilities, people of all faiths/religions or none, our environment, our civil liberties, our humanity.”
1 p.m. “The Inaugural March for Solidarity.” In “support for unity, inclusivity, and academic freedom, among other important issues.” Begins at Central Square, Keene, N.H.
3 p.m. “NH United for Justice and Equality.” Communique New England hosts a rally and march in “protest of President Donald Trump. Now is the time to stand shoulder to shoulder and present an alternate vision for a just and equitable society for the benefit of all.” Begins at Veterans Memorial Park, Manchester, N.H.
3 p.m. “BtH: What Lies Ahead? Town Hall on the Presidential Inauguration.” Boston University’s Pardee School of Graduate Studies hosts a “discussion on the inauguration of the 45th President of the United States.” At the school, Boston.
3:30 p.m. “Boston People’s Inauguration – Investidura Popular de Boston – Posse do Povo Boston.” LeftRoots hosts this protest “in response to the inauguration in DC. We will take action together and “swear in” to each other, making a commitment to one another to stand up against injustice and build an alternative world together.”At Dewey Square, Boston.
4:30 p.m. “Inauguration Day Pre-Protest Meetup (South Shore).” South Shore People’s Network hosts this sign-making event “before taking the T to Park Street” for a protest. At Quincy City Hall.
5 p.m. “Inauguration Day Rally Against Trump and the Right-Wing Agenda!” Organized by Socialist Alternative RI. At Rhode Island State House, Providence.
6 p.m. “Resist Trump: Occupy Inauguration Boston.” Protest rally at Parkman Bandstand, Boston Common. Organized by Boston Socialist Students, Boston Socialist Alternative and Boston Movement for the 99%.
6 p.m. “Resist Trump: Lowell Inauguration day protest.” At Lowell City Hall.
6 p.m. “Funeral for Democratic Values.” Solidarity Lowell mourns “democratic values at a mock funeral as part of the inauguration rally at city hall.” At Lowell City Hall Plaza.
6 p.m. “Resist Trump: Occupy Inauguration Fall River.” Rally organized by Southcoast Progressive Alliance. At Fall River Government Center, Mass.
6 p.m. “The Growing Center’s Future: A Public Participation Meeting.” Somerville Community Growing Center discusses its “redesign process.” At Somerville Public Library.
6 p.m. “You’re invited to the BEST Inauguration Party.” According to the invite to this (apparently) satirical party: “We’re bringing in the Rockettes (one of them), The Mormon Tabernacle Choir (two of them) and many many other powerful artists have agreed to this honor.” At Sally O’Brien’s, Somerville.
6 p.m. “Lynn Inauguration Day Protest: We say no to Trump!” Organized by Lynn United for Change. At Lynn City Hall, Mass.
6 p.m. “Hack the future of higher education.” OpenIdeo Boston aims to “develop curriculum to align with what students will need in the workforce” and “learning focused on purposeful engagement.” At Milk Street, Boston.
6:30 p.m. “Author Event: Mel King: ‘Chain of Change: Struggles for Black Community Development.’” The Boston activist, politician, community organizer and author discusses his 1981 book, now updated for 2016. At Dot2Dot Café, Dorchester, Boston.
6:30 p.m. “Hamiltunes Boston No. 2: It’s Quiet Outbound.” “Commemorate/mourn with Boston’s second Hamilton singalong event on Inauguration Day as we bid farewell to the Obama years.” At Bill’s Bar, Boston.
7 p.m. “Emory Douglas, RISD MLK Keynote & Honoree.” “Minister of Culture for the Black Panther Party between 1967-1980 … Emory Douglas is legendary for his use of art as a vehicle of education, empowerment, and resistance.” At RISD Auditorium, Providence.
7 p.m. “Re_Volt_ing: An Art Show in Protest.” Group art exhibition. At the Distillery Gallery in South Boston.
7 p.m. “Anti-Inauguration Party.” Featuring music and spoken word. At Flywheel Arts Collective, Easthampton, Mass.
7 p.m. “Celebration of President Barack Obama.” Opening of a “multi-media showcase honoring the nation’s first African-American president of the United States.” At National Black Doll Museum Of History & Culture, Mansfield, Mass.
7:30 p.m. “The Poetry Brothel: Inauguration Day.” Poetry, music, art, burlesque. “What revolution stirs in your hearts tonight, poets? Pride has held us together for so long but what pride can withstand this great failing, friends, let’s find the way through this loud and angry darkness, light a candle, loves.” At Oberon, Cambridge.
7:30 p.m. “Irish Wake for the Obama Administration.” At Trinity Brewhouse, Providence.
Saturday, Jan. 21
8 a.m. “Diaspora Challenge Initiative (DCI) Symposium.” Promoting “actions for a better Haiti.” At MIT Conference Center, Cambridge.
9 a.m. “Human Trafficking Awareness Seminar.” Run for Freedom presents “an introduction into the issue of human trafficking, and offers opportunities for volunteers to get involved.” At Munroe Street, Lynn, Mass.
9 a.m. “Empower Conference: StayWoke.” A conference “exploring identity, activism, organizing, and community building beyond online borders amidst the post-election racial climate.” At Northeastern University.
9:30 a.m. “Connecting with Unhoused People in Boston.” Boston Faith & Justice Network presents “a workshop discussing generosity and connection with unhoused people in Boston.” At King’s Chapel Parish House, Boston.
10 a.m. “New Hampshire Women’s Day of Action and Unity.” Rally and workshops. Organized by Planned Parenthood New Hampshire Action. At New Hampshire State House, Concord, N.H.
10:30 a.m. “Women’s Walk Portland.” “In solidarity with Women’s March on Washington & Augusta. Walk with us to support those working for women and families.” Begins at Eastern Prom, Portland, Maine.
11 a.m. “Boston Women’s March for America.” Begins at Boston Common, corner of Beacon and Charles Streets.
Noon. “My Immigrant Story: A Constructive Dialogue.” Screening of the documentary “La Cosecha” and a discussion on immigrants rights. At Northeastern University Justice Resource Center, Boston.
1 p.m. “Women’s Solidarity Rally PVD.” In support of the Women’s March on Washington. At Rhode Island State House, Providence.
1 p.m. “Women’s March on Montpelier.” From Montpelier High School to the State House, Vermont.
1 p.m. “Women’s March on Hartford, CT: in solidarity with Washington.” At Connecticut State Capital, Hartford, Conn.
1 p.m. “NH Women’s March for Civil Rights.” Organized by Occupy New Hampshire Seacoast. At Market Square, Portsmouth, N.H.
4 p.m. “Us Darkskins Launch Party.” The group aims to showcase “the beauty of dark-skinned Black men, women, and children in order to combat colorism, denounce skin bleaching, and promote self love.” At City Pop Egleston, Boston.
4 p.m. “Transition of Power: 2017.” A group art exhibition “dedicated to artistic voices in response to the current state of American politics. … As a new president ascends to the highest office in the land, millions of Americans remain shocked by the results of the November 2016 election, and fearful of changes to come.” Opening reception At 13 Forest Gallery, Arlington. Exhibit continues through March 11.
7 p.m. “The People’s Inauguration Concert.” Global Citizens’ Initiative hosts a night of music promoting “multi-cultural values that America stands for” as “a celebration of the spirit of resistance to the new administration’s proposed political agenda.” At the Somerville Armory. $15.
7 p.m. “ACLU Benefit / Boston Women’s March After-Party.” Local bands featured on the “We Art Not Trump” compilation album perform. At O’Brien’s Pub, Allston, Boston.
7 p.m. “Take Care: CoH Inaugural Open Mic.” Organized by Caretakers of Humanity. “This Inauguration Day, 1/20/17, will be a heavy day for many. … We’re providing a space to process, think, feel, and most importantly, share your perspective and listen to others.” At Boylston Street, Boston.
7:30 p.m. “Brave: a choral tribute to our women heroes.” Organized by Voices Rising: Women Building Community Through Song. “Harriet Tubman. Anne Frank. Malala. … We honor these three in song, and pay musical tribute to the women who came before us.” At First Church Boston Unitarian Universalist.
8 p.m. “The Designated Mourner by Wallace Shawn.” Hub Theatre Company of Boston and Theatre on Fire co-present a one-night-only staged reading of the play: “In a time of political turmoil, Jack wryly observes the gradual deterioration of his social circle of liberal intellectuals, professors, and writers … as one by one they are imprisoned and/or executed as enemies of the state.” At Charlestown Working Theater, Charlestown, Mass.
Sunday, Jan. 22
10 a.m. “Run for All.” Matt Allen, field director of the Massachusetts ACLU, speaks about “the challenges to come in our new era of government and action steps we can take.” Then “everyone is invited to join in a unified run/walk around Jamaica Pond … to raise money for the ACLU and celebrate our civil liberties.” At Jamaica Pond Boat House, Boston.
11 a.m. “Nunch.” The Boston Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence hold their “yearly talent review and granting ceremony. Brunch begins at 11 and so will a rousing hour of bingo!” At Club Café, Boston.
1:30 p.m. “Trust Women: Abortion Speak Out & Counter Protest.” On the anniversary of Roe v. Wade, Boston Feminists for Liberation protests the anti-abortion Massachusetts Citizens For Life’s “2017 Assembly for Life” rally. Meets at Boston City Hall, then marches to Faneuil Hall.
3 p.m. “Are You Now or Have You Ever Been?” “To respond to the country’s political climate,” Epic Theatre Company performs Eric Bentley’s “Are You Now or Have You Ever Been?” In Cranston, Rhode Island.
3 p.m. “Civil Rights Sundays.” Occupy New Hampshire Seacoast hosts a weekly stand-out protest. At Market Square, Portsmouth, N.H.
6 p.m. “Author Event: Stories of the Forever War.” Local writers and veterans Maurice Decaul, Teresa Fazio, Colin D. Halloran, and Lauren Halloran discuss “The Road Ahead: Stories of the Forever War,” a short story collection exploring the aftereffects of the Iraq and Afghan Wars. At Harvard Book Store, Cambridge.
7 p.m. “Warmer Than Hell: Coat & Sock Drive.” At Bukowski Tavern, Boston.
Pictured at top: Anti-Trump rally in Boston, June 29, 2016. Copyright Greg Cook.