Hi All!

It’s been a busy time behind the scenes and we are excited to kick off with our first general meeting of 2026 which will be a…..

Community Defense Training!

We are so thrilled to offer a long anticipated Community Defense Training on THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5TH at 6:30PM!

This Community Defense Training, facilitated by Elaine Almquist, is for anyone who wants to learn how to create a Massachusetts that affirms the dignity of all its members, and especially our immigrant community members. Learn your rights, and how to stand up against ICE in our communities now. Current members & nonmembers are all welcome.

Learn about:

• The state of ICE in MA

• Preparing our Community for Safety

• Knowing Your Rights

• What to do if you See ICE

• Supporting our Immigrant Community Members

• Front-line organizations

Have accessibility questions? Email [email protected] to confirm your requirements or request more information.

Community & Mutual Aid

Outside of our own shenanigans and tomfoolery, there are always other opportunities to engage with your Allston-Brighton neighbors in progressive local politics. Examples below; if you have a community event or announcement you’d like to share in the next newsletter, email us at [email protected]!

1. PROGRESSIVE MASS STATEWIDE MEETING JANUARY 31, LASELL COLLEGE IN NEWTON. You can register here. This promises to be a fun and informative afternoon with progressives from all over the state. Great chance to catch up with some of our fellow Boston chapters, and AB Progressives will be featured on a panel at 4PM about how chapters work. We will probably organize some carpools for the short trek to Newton closer to the day in our Slack, so stay tuned for that and sign up if you haven’t already!

2. We are currently in the voting Phase for Participatory Budgeting, which has a deadline of February 15th. This is an opportunity for Boston residents to select the projects that will have the biggest impact on your community. You can VOTE and decide on how $2.2 million in Participatory Budgeting funds will be invested in community-driven projects across the City. Selected projects are a one-time, non-recurring investment, and will start planning for implementation in the Spring of 2026. Review full project descriptions here.  And click here to cast your vote. Let’s make sure A-B has a strong response!

3. The BCYF/Jackson Mann Community Center in Allston Brighton is seeking responses to their online survey regarding their free classes and workshops for 2026. 

4. Brighton Winter Farmers Market | Sunday, Jan 25 | 1:30–4:30 PM
   Presentation School Foundation, 640 Washington Street, Brighton 02135
   Entrance on Tremont St. Market is indoors in the lower level of the building. HIP/SNAP is accepted

5. If you are looking for employment support (whether that is applying for new jobs, or dealing with a challenging work situation), and are in recovery for mental health (anxiety, depression, etc.), the Cole Resource Center recently launched a pilot to specifically focus on helping folks in Allston-Brighton! We offer weekly group support and One on One Job Search Coaching, and all services are free. Fill out the intake form here and they will be in touch!

Thanks so much for your time, and we hope to see as many of you as possible at our General Meeting/Community Defense Training on Febrary 5th!

Cheers,

Caitlin