Credits

Civic Engagement/Social Justice: This list includes organizations and resources for all who want to improve the quality of life in their community. Tip O’Neill said that “all politics is local”, and when one benefits one’s community, the effects ripple out to improve life for all. There are, of course, organizations and resources that present an even wider scope here. Although we have collected a wealth of information here, it is our intention to update and enhance this list as necessary. 

Some of the descriptions have been taken from the organizations’ mission statements. 

Waltham Based Organizations

Waltham Concerned Citizens Waltham Concerned Citizens was founded in 1981 to work for peace and justice. Links From Waltham Concerned Citizens Here are links for immigration information, peace information, economic resources, human rights and more. 

Progressive Waltham Working for a better minimum wage, environmental reform, social justice and more. 

Waltham Energy And Climate Action Now! (WECAN) We are a coalition of concerned people and groups. We are also the Waltham node of 350Mass, a climate action network made up of engaged volunteers who work with the media, organize events, educate their communities, lobby lawmakers, and more.

Waltham Government

Waltham City Council A listing of city councilors and contact information. 

Click Here For the Latest Streaming Updates From City Officials Find out what your city officials have to say about Covid-19 in Waltham. Brought to you by WCAC (Waltham Cable Access Corporation).  Here is the City’s YouTube Channel.

City Of Waltham Covid-19 Rsources The city has been keeping an updated list of resources that are much needed during this time. 

City Of Waltham Contacts Directory A list of city departments and contacts. Click on the link to learn more. 

City Of Waltham OpenGov OpenGov is a data visualization platform that enables municipalities to streamline and present its budget and financial data in a more meaningful manner. Integrating financial data with a data platform will provide users with an engaging and favorable experience when examining the financial information of the City of Waltham.

Waltham Voting

Waltham League Of Women Voters Mission: Empowering voters. Defending democracy. Find out how you can help by clicking on the link. 

Absentee Voting In Waltham If you will not be around on the big day, but want your voice to be heard, click here. 

City Of Waltham Polling Places Wondering where your polling place is located? Click this link. 

Waltham Public Library

Waltham Public Library We provide resources to help you pursue all that you need to be engaged in the well-being of your community. We provide access to a range of newspapers including but not limited to The Boston Globe, The New York Times, The Waltham News Tribune. Our sources are reliable and our staff are constantly providing updates through our social media which you can also reach here. During the time of Covid-19, we have a wealth of timely online resources for you that are available 24/7. 

Real Talk Opportunities for Waltham teens to be engaged in their community and talk about their concerns. 

Waltham Public Library Electronic Databases Includes Legal Resources, trustworthy articles and reference information, consumer information, educational information and more. This is where you can find the up to date and historical newspaper collections. 

The Library’s subscription to the Boston Globe can be accessed here. 

Minuteman Network Access to the New York Times can be found here.

Pride Online At Your Library A resource list prepared for you by the Waltham Public Library 

Gale One File:  Diversity Studies  A wealth of information available from the Waltham Public Library for you.

Gale OneFile:  Criminal Justice  A wealth of criminal justice information available for you from the Waltham Public Library.

Watch CDC 

Watch CDC WATCH CDC works towards a more just community in the Waltham area by promoting affordable housing, providing adult education and leadership development, and empowering underrepresented residents through civic engagement. 

Watch CDC Resources en espanol 

Watch CDC Covid-19 Resources

Waltham Community Health

Charles River Community Health Waltham Covid-19 Resources

Healthy Waltham The vision for Healthy Waltham is to foster a community of wellness where all people have the opportunity and support to thrive and prosper. 

Waltham Conservation/Agriculture

The Waltham Land Trust The Waltham Land Trust’s mission is to create a legacy of land conservation in Waltham by promoting, protecting, restoring, and acquiring open space. 

Waltham Fields Community Farm Waltham Fields Community Farm (WFCF) promotes local agriculture and food access through our farming operations and educational programs, using practices that are socially, ecologically, and economically sustainable. We encourage healthy relationships between people, their food supply, and the land from which it grows. 

Waltham Youth

The Waltham Partnership For Youth Our Mission: To leverage and coordinate the assets of our vibrant community to ensure that all Waltham youth have access to the resources they need to thrive. 

Waltham House (Home For Little Wanderers) Waltham House is the first residential group home designed specifically for LGBTQ youth in New England, and one of only three of its kind in the nation. 

Waltham Family School The Waltham Family School is a comprehensive family literacy program that dramatically improves educational opportunities for children by integrating early childhood, adult education and parenting skills.

Africano Waltham We seek to highlight the importance of intercultural respect and celebration among communities of African and non-African descent alike. This takes the form of a diverse Cultural Arts Education Program-–cultural edutainment—that works with children and families from underserved communities (e.g., low income, African immigrant communities) in the Waltham area.

Waltham Public Library Children’s Room  Link to the Children’s Room Instagram Page

Waltham Public Library Teen Room Link to the Teen Room Instagram Page

Waltham Boys And Girls Club Click this link to find out about volunteering at the Boys and Girls Club. You can find more about the organization on their website as well. 

Family Access Community Connections The mission of Family ACCESS is to strengthen children, families and the community by providing programs that nurture child development, promote effective parenting skills, and support working parents. We actively engage a racially, economically, and culturally diverse population in Newton, Waltham and surrounding communities.

Waltham Animal Rights/ Pets

The Cat Connection This Waltham organization is a place to help cats find good homes. There are lots of opportunities to help. Click to find out more. 

Waltham Census

The Census The census is so important to community funding which is vital especially during the time of Covid-19. For each person not counted, communities could miss out on $2,400 of federal funding, 

Waltham News

The Waltham Daily news Tribune This is a link to wicked local.com The Waltham Public Library can link you to full issues current and past here. 

The Waltham Patch Local news, posts by neighbors and more. 

Next Door Waltham Local news, posts by neighbors, events, items for sale and for free and more. 

Waltham Cable Access  Watch the best shows, meetings and events from our Public and Government channels, all in High Definition. Our HD Channel is available on Verizon Channel 2147 and RCN Channel 613.

Waltham MA Community Group  Local news, neighborhood recommendations, a way to stay in touch with your community.

Waltham Seniors

The Waltham Council On Aging Waltham Council on Aging shall promote individual input seeking support for elder services through legislation, grant proposals and activity in policy making; to identify the needs of the community’s elderly population and available resources to meet such needs; to educate the community at large in the needs of the elderly; to design, promote and implement needed services and to coordinate with existing local services for the elderly. Click on the link to find out more. 

AARP Waltham Click this link to find out about volunteering at the American Association of Retired Persons Waltham. You can also find more information on the website. 

Meals On Wheels Waltham MA The Meals on Wheels Coordinator welcomes Waltham citizens and retired citizens to help prepare or deliver meals to the city’s homebound elders. 

Waltham Civic/Political Organizations

The Waltham Lions Club The Waltham Lions Club was chartered in 1939 and our motto as Lions is “To Serve”. We raise funds within our community mainly to assist with eye research and to prevent blindness. 

The Waltham Rotary Club The mission of The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International is to enable Rotarians to advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through the improvement of health, the support of education, and the alleviation of poverty. 

Waltham Watertown Elks Club The Elks Club provides scholarships, food, drug awareness, veterans’ services, childrens’ programs and more. 

Waltham American Legion The American Legion was founded on four pillars: Americanism, Children and Youth, National Security, and Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation 

Waltham Corps Community Center From its very beginnings in the East End of London in 1865, The Salvation Army has strived to serve suffering neighbors. Poverty has a way of making people invisible. Our goal has always been to see the hurting and the lost, and to see them through. 

Latinos En Accion Waltham Working to provide resources for the Waltham Latino Community. 

Waltham Democratic City Committee Interested in helping the local Democratic Party? Click on the link to find out more. 

Waltham Republican City Committee Interested in helping the local Republican Party? Click on the link to find out more. 

Waltham Domestic Violence

Reach: Beyond Domestic Violence Waltham Find out how to get involved in the struggle against domestic violence or to get help for someone by clicking this link. 

Waltham Spiritual/Religious Organizations

Waltham Church Of The Nazarene A Haitian Church in Waltham. Click on the link for more information. 

First Lutheran Church Of Waltham/Santuario Luterano Our Justice and Service Team plans regularly plans events to serve the local community, region, and world 

First Parish In Waltham Together we seek to create a more just, compassionate, and peaceful world through weekly worship, educational programming, community building, and opportunities to engage in social action. 

Our Lady Comforter Of The Afflicted Outreach and social justice opportunities can be found with this link. 

Chaplains On The Way Waltham Click on this link to find out how to get involved with Chaplains On The Way. 

Agape Spiritual Community Waltham Agape works for peace and justice in the community. Click on the link to learn more. 

The Waltham Islamic Society Find out about services that the Islamic Society is offering by clicking this link. 

Temple Beth Israel Waltham We enjoy a full calendar of religious, social, educational and social justice dialogue and activities for the many ways our congregants and friends connect to Judaism, to their community, and to the world at large. 

Jewish Family And Children’s Services Waltham For more than 150 years, Jewish Family & Children’s Service has been helping individuals and families build a strong foundation for resilience and well-being across the lifespan. 

Waltham Social Services

Middlesex Human Services Agency The mission of Middlesex Human Service Agency, Inc. is to improve the quality of life and independent functioning of a wide variety of clients through the delivery of an extensive system of community-based substance abuse and social service programs 

Bristol Lodge Bristol Lodge provides shelter for homeless men and women in Waltham. Click on the link to find out more. 

Community Day Center of Waltham The only drop in shelter in the Metrowest area. 

Massachusetts Resources

Covid-19

Covid Testing Site Locator

Covid-19 Consumer Resources From The Commonwealth of Massachusetts 

Resources During Covid-19 From the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office. 

Massachusetts Trial Court Resources during Covid-19 

Covid-19 Civil and Legal Resources Organized by state 

Massachusetts LGBTQ

Boston Pride Resources for the LGBTQ Community, The Latinx Community and the Black Community. 

Trans Club Of New England A Boston area transgender support organization for the transgender community. 

Human Rights Campaign Massachusetts Human Rights Campaign fights for LGBT equality in Massachusetts alongside state and local groups and lawmakers. Find out more about what HRC is doing for LGBT equality in Massachusetts and how you can get involved with the Boston community. 

Massachusetts Substance Abuse

MADD Massachusetts The mission of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) is to end drunk driving, help fight drugged driving, support the victims of these violent crimes, and prevent underage drinking.

Massachusetts Immigration

Refugee Immigration Ministry Building Community with uprooted people to serve the common good.(Based in Malden, MA) 

Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition (MIRA) Our vision is a Commonwealth – and a nation – where all can thrive, no matter where they came from or how they got here, and all can fully participate in their communities’ social, economic and civic life. 

Boston Center For Refugee Health And Human Rights  provides comprehensive medical, mental health, obstetric/gynecological care coordinated with social services and legal referrals to approximately 375 individuals from over 40 countries. Interpreter services are available for more than 30 languages to aid in the healing journey of each patient and their families.

The Right To Immigration Institute The Right to Immigration Institute (TRII, pronounced “tree”) is the only group in the U.S. actively empowering students to represent people in asylum, naturalization, and status adjustment cases.. By training undergraduate students so they can become Department of Justice accredited representatives, TRII aims to make sure no one must face the immigration process alone.

Massachusetts Poverty/Social Justice

The Poor People’s Campaign Massachusetts The Poor People’s Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival is uniting people across Massachusetts to challenge the evils of systemic racism, poverty, the war economy, ecological devastation and the nation’s distorted morality of religious nationalism. 

Prisoners Legal Services Of Massachusetts This non-profit civil services organization provides help and education for the incarcerated. Click the link to find out how you can help. 

Catholic Charities of Boston As one of the largest providers of social services in Massachusetts, Catholic Charities of Boston offers over 70 programs and services in 23 locations around Eastern Massachusetts. From Lawrence to Brockton and Natick to Boston, our service sites throughout Eastern Massachusetts helped 175,000 of our neediest neighbors of all faiths last year.

Combined Jewish Philanthropies of Greater Boston Our Mission: To inspire and mobilize the diverse Boston Jewish community to engage in building communities of learning and action that strengthen Jewish life and improve the world.

Massachusetts Youth

Big Brothers Big Sisters Of Massachusetts Bay Becoming a Big is more important now than ever as COVID-19 continually changes life for our community. Thousands of our volunteer Bigs are connecting with their Littles online, bringing joy and levity into a challenging time for many vulnerable families. 

The Home For Little Wanderers Our mission is to ensure the healthy behavioral, emotional, social and educational development and physical well-being of children and families living in at-risk circumstances. 

Massachusetts Animal Rights/Pets

MSPCA Angell Learn what constitutes animal cruelty. We strive to interpret and enforce the laws that do exist, and to educate people about animals’ needs in cases where the law does not provide adequate protection. 

Massachusetts Urgent Wildlife Resource Contacts  Provided courtesy of MSPCA/Angell.

Massachusetts Environmental Groups

Citizens Climate Lobby Boston Metrowest Chapter Citizens’ Climate Lobby is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, grassroots advocacy organization empowering people to experience breakthroughs exercising their personal and political power. 

Massachusetts Climate Action Network The Massachusetts Climate Action Network (MCAN), a 501(c)3 non-profit, fights the climate crisis one town at a time, with the help of local MCAN chapters – and you! 

MCAN’s role as a facilitator of municipal-level action is unique among Massachusetts environmental groups. We empower our local chapters by enhancing communication, promoting town-level projects that improve communities, decreasing climate change-causing pollution, and reducing development time for those projects. MCAN speaks on behalf of all chapters to improve Massachusetts energy and climate policies and programs. 

Massachusetts Volunteerism/Service

Americorps Massachusetts We expand volunteerism and service in Massachusetts by providing individuals and organizations with funding, training, and support, which enables them to strengthen communities and make our Commonwealth a better place to live. 

Massachusetts Voting Resources

League of Women Voters of Massachusetts Promotes voter registration and modernization. Works to improve the electoral process and educate voters. 

MassVotes Non-partisan, non-profit organization that seeks to increase voter participation in Massachusetts. Advocates for electoral justice for the sake of building a government that istruly representative of the people. 

MassPIRG MASSPIRG is an advocate for the public interest. We speak out for a healthier, safer world in which we’re freer to pursue our own individual well-being and the common good. 

Lawyers for Civil Rights (Boston), Lawyers for Civil Rights fosters equal opportunity and fights discrimination on behalf of people of color and immigrants. 

Massachusetts Voter Table A wide range of voter resources, advocacy for all to vote and take part in the census. Opportunities to help out as well. 

Massachusetts Housing

A Guide To Obtaining Housing Assistance This information comes to you courtesy of Mass.Gov 

NOLO Guide To Your Housing Rights In Massachusetts Also includes legal information for Covid-19. 

Massachusetts Right To Counsel Coalition:    A campaign for justice in evictions.

Most evictions happen very quickly. Many tenants do not know how to protect themselves both before court and in court. ​And for too many people, an eviction means homelessness.

We can change this.

Massachusetts Diversity

NAACP Boston The mission of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People is to ensure the political, educational, social, and economic equality and rights of all persons and to eliminate racial hatred and racial discrimination. 

Association Of Haitian Women In Boston The Association of Haitian Women in Boston is a community-based grassroots organization dedicated to empowering low-income Haitian women and their children. 

The Massachusetts Center For Native American Awareness Protecting & Preserving Native American Culture,Traditions and Spirituality.

American Friends Service Committee The Friends Service Committee works for peace, justice, and the rights of immigrants. 

Massachusetts Political Parties

Green Rainbow Party Massachusetts The Green-Rainbow Party (GRP) is the Massachusetts affiliate of the Green Party of the U.S. In 2002, the GRP united the Massachusetts Green Party and the Rainbow Coalition Party on the basis of their shared values and aspirations. 

Libertarian Association Of Massachusetts Interested in helping your local Libertarian Party? Click the link to find out how. 

Legal Information/Massachusetts

Massachusetts Laws by Subject 

Massachusetts Legal Forms By Subject 

LawHelp.org All kinds of great free legal information can be found here including by state. An invaluable resource. 

Massachusetts Know Your Rights

ACLU Rights Of Protesters We intervene—through police departments, the courts, and the dissemination of Know Your Rights materials—so that the right to public expression is respected for everyone. 

National Organizations/Other Resources

Safety Dos And Donts From The Lily.com Should you decide to join a protest during this time of the pandemic, here are some important measures that you can take to keep yourself and those around you safe from Covid-19. 

Code Pink CODEPINK is a women-led grassroots organization working to end U.S. wars and militarism, support peace and human rights initiatives, and redirect our tax dollars into healthcare, education, green jobs and other life-affirming programs. 

Black Lives Matter Working to fight discrimination and misinformation. Click on the link to find out much more. 

Resources From Oprah Winfrey As America unites in response to the continuing civil unrest following the recent murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery, influential community leaders have come together to provide a list of organizations to use as resources if you would like to learn more about the ongoing fight for racial and social justice. 

Resources from The National Museum Of African American History And Culture Education on how to be anti racist. 

Black History Year Podcast Black History Year connects you to the history, thinkers, and activists that are left out of the mainstream conversations. 

Anguish And Action: Resources from President Obama President Obama provides a variety of resources for being informed, becoming engaged and taking action during this difficult time 

Native American Lifelines The mission of Native American LifeLines is to promote health and social resiliency within Urban American Indian communities. Native American LifeLines applies principles of trauma informed care to provide culturally centered behavioral health, dental, and outreach and referral services. 

The Case For Reparations by Ta-Nehisi Coates Coates makes a beautiful, detailed case for reparations for the black community who have been taken advantage of and treated so badly during this nation’s history. 

The Antidefamation League ADL is a leading anti-hate organization. Founded in 1913 in response to an escalating climate of anti-Semitism and bigotry, its timeless mission is to protect the Jewish people and to secure justice and fair treatment for all. 

Email And Tweet Them Hold your elected representatives accountable to keeping Black lives safe. This page finds their contact info, creates, and sends an email or tweet to them.

Black Latinas Know Collective We are a collective of Black Latina Scholars, producers of innovative knowledge, contributors to the study of Latinidad and blackness.

Youth

The Conscious Kid Parenting and Education through a Critical Race Lens. Diverse #OwnVoices Books. Black and Brown Owned. COVID-19 #RENTRELIEF For Families.

Voting Resources–National

Fair Fight 2020 Promotes fair elections in Georgia and around the country, encourages voter participation in elections, and educates voters about elections and their voting rights. 

Register To Vote Vote.Org can check whether or not you are registered to vote, get you registered, help you to get an absentee ballot or to vote by mail. 

Opportunity Youth United Committed to fostering a culture of civic engagement that starts with registering to vote and showing up at the polls every year and includes staying informed and active in all areas of civic life. 

ACLU The ACLU is engaged in advocacy and litigation across the country to get | rid of harmful voter suppression laws. 

All Voting is Local Fights to remove discriminatory barriers to the ballot.

Asian Americans Advancing Justice Works to eliminate language barriers for voters across the country. Provides a voter hotline in nine Asian languages, election resources for people to check their voter registration, understand their ballot, and know their voting rights ahead of time.

Black Voters Matter  Advocates to expand voting rights/access, including expanded early voting, resisting voter ID, re-entry restoration of rights and strengthening the Voting Rights Act. 

Brennan Center for Justice Think tank working to counter the power of special interests by empowering voters and small donors. 

Campaign Legal Center Nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that protects and strengthens our democracy in the areas of campaign finance, voting rights, political communication and government ethics. 

Carpool Votes Connects volunteer drivers with anybody who needs a ride to claim their vote. 

Common Cause Provides voting tools on how to register or to check your registration. Works to counter voter restrictions and gerrymandering 

Election Protection National, nonpartisan coalition of over 100 local, state and national partners. Tools to protect the vote includes polling locations, absentee ballot information, & a hotline to report problems on voting day. 

Call (866) OUR-VOTE if you think someone is illegally being denied their vote. 

Fair Fight (led by Stacey Abrams) Promote fair elections in Georgia and around the country, encourage voter participation in elections, and educate voters about elections and their voting rights. Fair Fight brings awareness to the public on election reform, advocates for election reform at all levels, and engages in targeted voter registration and other voter outreach programs and communications.. 

Fair Vote Works on electoral reforms at the local, state, and national level through strategic research, communications and collaboration. A non-profit, non partisan organization with a history of working with scholars, civic leaders, policymakers, and journalists from across the spectrum 

HeadCount.org Works to empower Americans through voter registration, digital campaigns, information, and projects that harness the power of music and culture.

NAACP Give us the ballot” advocacy. Current support for H.R. 4, the Voting Rights Advancement Act.

Reclaim Our Vote Nonpartisan phone bank, post carding & textbanking campaign created by the Center for Common Ground.

Rock the Vote Nonprofit and nonpartisan organization devoted to getting the youth vote to the polls. The organization has pioneered ways to make voting easier for young adults by simplifying and demystifying voter registration and elections. 

Southern Poverty Law Center Voting Rights Practice Group works across the Deep South in collaboration with community partners and organizers to engage and mobilize voters, restore voting rights to returning citizens, pursue electoral policy reforms, and bring litigation to challenge unconstitutional and discriminatory voting practices. 

Spread the Vote Helps people get IDs ahead of Election Day. Helps people to navigate their state’s ID laws and assists with everything from application fees to driving you to the DMV to get your ID. 

The Sentencing Project Advocates for the rights of prisoners, with a focus on voting rights. 

United States Election Project The mission of the project is to provide timely and accurate election statistics, electoral laws, research reports, and other useful information regarding the United States electoral system.

VoteRiders Informs and helps citizens to secure their voter ID as well as inspires and supports organizations, local volunteers, and communities to sustain voter ID education and assistance efforts. 

Voto Latino Voter registration and education Outreach to young voters through sophisticated digital advertising, such as the first text-to-register voter registration campaign and VoterPal.

Anguish And Action: Resources from President Obama President Obama provides a variety of resources for being informed, becoming engaged and taking action during this difficult time. 

ACLU Rights Of Protesters We intervene—through police departments, the courts, and the dissemination of Know Your Rights materials—so that the right to public expression is respected for everyone. 

Safety Dos And Don’ts From The Lily.com Should you decide to join a protest during this time of the pandemic, here are some important measures that you can take to keep yourself and those around you safe from Covid-19.

Animal Rights/Pets

PETA: People For The Ethical Treatment Of Animals Working towards treating animals in a humane way. 

The Humane Society Of The United States An association for the humane treatment of animals. 

Best Friends: Save Them All Mission To bring about a time when there are No More Homeless Pets. 

Wildlife

World Wildlife For nearly 60 years, WWF has worked to help people and nature thrive. As the world’s leading conservation organization, WWF works in more than 100 countries. At every level, we collaborate with people around the world to develop and deliver innovative solutions that protect communities, wildlife, and the places in which they live. 

Domestic Violence/National

National Domestic Violence Hotline We answer the call to support and shift power back to those affected by relationship abuse. 

Legal Information

LawHelp.org LawHelp helps people of low and moderate incomes find free legal aid programs in their communities, answers to questions about their legal rights and forms to help them with their legal problems. 

Legal Aid Society National Directory LSC is an independent nonprofit established by Congress in 1974 to provide financial support for civil legal aid to low-income Americans. 

Legal Information Institute We believe that everyone should be able to read and understand the laws that govern them, without cost. This non-profit organization is based at Cornell University. Lots of free helpful information here. 

Jailhouse Lawyer’s Handbook This Handbook is a resource for prisoners who wish to file a federal lawsuit addressing poor conditions in prison or abuse by prison staff. It also contains limited general information about the American legal system. This Handbook is available for free to anyone: prisoners, families, friends, activists, lawyers and others. 

American Immigration Lawyers Association Lawyer Search 

Medicare For All: National Nurses United National Nurses United, with more than 150,000 members in every state, is the largest union and professional association of registered nurses in U.S. history. 

Thugs For Humanity This is a list of Community Bond Relief Organizations, Pro Bono Legal Services, and Legal Advice to help you if you are arrested and placed into custody while protesting on the ground. Know your rights, stay safe, and support each other.

New Sources/National/International

Associated Press 

Center for Public Integrity The Center for Public Integrity is a nonprofit, nonpartisan newsroom investigating democracy, power and privilege. Our reporting focuses on the influence of money and the impact of inequality on our society. 

Reuters 

BBC World News America 

AP Fact Check Fact-checking and accountability journalism from AP journalists around the globe. 

FactCheck.Org We are a nonpartisan, nonprofit “consumer advocate” for voters that aims to reduce the level of deception and confusion in U.S. politics. 

Politifact From the beginning, PolitiFact focused on looking at specific statements made by politicians and rating them for accuracy. 

On The Media with Brooke Gladstone While maintaining the civility and fairness that are the hallmarks of public radio, OTM tackles sticky issues with a frankness and transparency that has built trust with over one million weekly radio and podcast listeners. OTM can be heard weekly on more than 400 stations and has a biweekly podcast. It has won the Edward R. Murrow Awards for feature reporting and investigative reporting, the National Press Club’s Arthur Rowse Award for Press Criticism, it is the only back-to-back winner of the Bart Richards award for media criticism, it is the winner of several Mirror Awards, and it has a Peabody Award for its body of work. 

Selected ebooks and streaming media from the Waltham Public Library 

Books on hoopla 

New American Creed by David Kames 

United States Civics by various authors 

Taking Action For Civil And Political Rights by Eric Braun 

Key Civil Rights Laws by Kathryn Ohnaka 

Rise Up: The Art Of Protest by Jo Rippon and Marie Copeny 

The Immigrant Rights Movement by Walter J. Nicholls 

Incarceration: Punishment Or Rehabilitation? by Erin McCoy 

International Human Rights, Global Policy And Global Development by various authors 

Overdrive/Libby 

The Racial Healing Handbook: Practical Activities To Help You Challenge Privilege, Confront Systemic Racism, And Engage In Collective Healing by Annaleise A. Singh 

Youth Civic And Political Engagement by Martyn Barrett and Dimitra Patchi 

Titles about Discrimination Here 

Kanopy 

Just Do It: Environmental Activists Engaged In Non-Violent Protest 

Social And Systemic Injustice Titles Here 

Podcasts of Interest 

Boston Connection Podcast Boston Connection é um projeto de quatro amigos (Fernando, Luiz, Matheus e Rafael) para aproveitar as longas conversas e transformar em algo produtivo. Aqui discutiremos esportes, política e o que for notícia no ‘triângulo’ São Paulo, Uberlândia e Boston. 

All Rev’d Up​ All Rev’d Up explores where faith intersects politics and culture. Reverend Irene Monroe and Reverend Emmett G. Price III come from different black faith perspectives, they’re of different generations, they hail from different parts of the country, and they come together in this podcast to talk about faith in a different way. 

Under The Radar With Callie Crossley​ Under the Radar with Callie Crossley looks to alternative presses and community news for stories that are often overlooked by big media outlets. In our roundtable conversation, we aim to examine the small stories before they become the big headlines with contributors in Boston and New England. 

Women Veterans Rock! 2020 Season Of Civic Engagement Podcast Series examines the challenges, opportunities and barriers facing America’s Women Veterans as they transition from military service back into civilian life. 

Democracy Now: The War And Peace Report On Democracy Now!, you’ll hear a diversity of voices speaking for themselves, providing a unique and sometimes provocative perspective on global events. 

All My Relations Podcast All My Relations is a team of folks who care about representations, and how Native peoples are represented in mainstream media. Between us we have decades of experience working in and with Native communities, and writing and speaking about issues of representation. You can meet our full team here

Top 15 Transgender Podcasts You Must Follow In 2020 List provided by feedspot.com 

Queer WOC: The Podcast #QueerWOC, is the community podcast for all things Queer Women/Folks of Color community and healing. Based in Syracuse, NY. Hosted by Money, the Family Therapist, and Nikeeta, the workers rights organizer. 

In The Thick with Maria and Julio The Futuro Media Group presents a new political podcast where journalists of color tell you what you’re missing from the mainstream news. Co-hosted by award-winning journalists Maria Hinojosa and Julio Ricardo Varela.

Nannan Podcast Nannan with Emmy is a podcast created with the goal to combine the voices of women evolving in Haiti. Emmy sits with the women who inspire her, discussing issues which impact women. They discuss many subjects ranging from productivity and creativity to personal care, managing relationships, love, body image, and much more

Eight Podcasts About Civics And U.S. History For Kids

Science Fiction and Fantasy by Black Authors

Science Fiction and Fantasy owes a great deal to Black voices. Explore new frontiers, both wondrous and terrible, from these well renowned authors and their colleagues.  What are some of your favorites?  Tell us in the comments below.

posted by Greg

Pride Online at Your Library

Kanopy offers great curated lists of Movies and Documentaries

Overdrive has put a spotlight on LGBTQ books and audiobooks for June

Hoopla curated lists of Movies, Ebooks, and Comics,

NEW Adult Fiction

All My Mothers Lovers by Llana Massad

Cantoras by Carolina DeRobertis 

The Editor by Steven Rowley 

The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune 

Kept Animals by Kate Milliken 

The Knockout Queen by Rufi Thorpe

The Mercies by Kiran Millwood Hargrove 

On Swift Horses by Shannon Pufhal

Paris 7AM by Liza Wieland 

Real Life by Brandon Taylor

Right After the Weather by Carol Anshaw 

Something to Talk About by Meryl Wilsner

This Town Sleeps by Dennis E Staples

The Travelers by Regina Porter

The Unspoken Name by A.K. Larkwood 

You Exist Too Much by Zaina Arafat June 

NEW Adult Non-Fiction

How We Fight For Our Lives by Saeed Jones

Naturally Tan by Tan France

Out East by John Glynn

NEW Young Adult Fiction

By Any Means Necessary by Candace Montgomery

Deposing Nathan by Zack Smedley

Destroy All Monsters by Sam J Miller

The Fascinators by Andrew Eliopulos

Felix Ever After by Kacen Callender

The Henna Wars by Adiba Jaigirder

Hold My Hand by Michael Barakiva

How it Feels to Float by Helena Fox

How (Not) to Ask a Boy to Prom by S. J. Goslee

Juliet Takes a Breath by Gabby Rivera

Only Mostly Devastated by Sophie Gonzales

The Stars and the Blackness Between Them by Junaude Petrus

We Are Totally Normal by Rahul Kanakia

Ziggy, Stardust, and Me by James Brandon

posted by Ashley

Marvelously Mindful

Here are some marvelously mindful resources for you from the Waltham Public Library.

Hoopla

Mindfulness For Happiness by Tara Ward (ebook)  Easy, enjoyable exercises for you.

I’m Spiritual, Dammit! By Jennifer Weigel (ebook)  A lighthearted look at spirituality.

Guided Meditations For Sleep, Anxiety, And Self Healing by Ana Selavy  This ebook has a series of soothing scripts to help you feel less stressed.

Mindful Compassion by Paul Gilbert, Choden  (ebook) This New Harbinger Publication has two elements that we all can use; mindfulness and compassion.

How To Meditate by Pema Chodron  (audiobook) read by Pema Chodron  Louise is a big fan of Pema Chodron and loves this simple and soothing audio.

The Wise Heart by Jack Kornfield read by Jack Kornfield (audiobook)   Kornfield has a lovely way of phrasing things and his voice is very soothing.  He has a nice sense of humor which does not hurt either. 

Gaiam:  Athletic Yoga: Yoga For Runners (video)  Runners!  You can watch this any time and increase your running ability and flexibility.  Fabulous!

Mindful Me:  Mindfulness And Meditation For Kids by Whitney Stewart and Stacy Peterson  (ebook) A simple and helpful guide to help reduce the stress that kids may be experiencing.  Adults will benefit too!

Little Flower Yoga For Kids by Jennifer Cohen Harper (ebook)   Oh, even the title is adorable here!

A Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Workbook  (ebook)by Bob Stahl and Elisha Goldstein, Ph.D.  A very popular, practical and useful tool to keep that stress down.  Simple to use.

Mindful Solutions For Stress, Anxiety, And Depression by Elisha Goldstein, Ph.D.(audio) read by Elisha Goldstein, Ph.D.  Relax and learn some ways to reduce that stress.  

The Compassionate Mind Guide To Managing Your Anger by Russell L. Kolts (ebook) Compassionate ways to get your mind into a better place using compassion based therapy.

Overdrive (Libby by Overdrive)

When Things Fall Apart:  Heart Advice For Difficult Times by Pema Chodron (ebook)  Louise has read this book and found it relaxing and inspiring.  Two sticks of incense up!

The Art Of The Wasted Day by Patricia Hampl (ebook) This well reviewed memoir will help all of us to learn about and benefit from the concept of leisure time.  This is something that we are not always so skillful about in our go go go culture.

10% Happier:  How I Tamed The Voice In My Head, Reduced Stress Without Losing My Edge, And Found Self-Help That Actually Works:  A True Story by Dan Harris  This book, beloved by many, is a very personal and inspiring story.  

Yoga Journal (2020 periodical)  Wow!  You can enjoy this great periodical from the comfort of home!

 Kanopy

The Mindfulness Movie:  The Benefits Of Mindfulness                                             

Meditating With The Dalai Lama    Who better to meditate with then the Dalai Lama?

Meditation, Yoga, And Guided Imagery: Episode 15 Of The Science Of Natural Healing from The Great Courses

Mind Body Connection:  Part Of The Series:  Yoga For Health  Yoga on demand!

Freegal (music audio)

Mindfulness Zen     Relax and chill with this mindfulness zen music.

Mindful Rest    Let the worries of the day dissipate and have some mindful rest.

Child’s Pose:  A Yoga Playlist   Beautiful relaxing music for anytime.

Music Therapy For Stress Reduction  Listen anytime and feel the tension melt away.

Climb Every Mountain:  Inspirational Songs from the Inspirational Players ooh, this one has so many beautiful songs including What The World Needs Now, Morning Has Broken, The River is Wide and more.

Relaxation titles  Click here to find a variety of relaxing music from Freegal to play anytime, anywhere.

Other Free Resources

The Waltham Public Library partners with Matthew Carriker, Protestant Chaplain at Brandeis University and founder of The Agape Spiritual Community for mindfulness programs, our initiating inspiration book group, and more.

Agape is offering some free virtual programs. Find more information here

The Cambridge Insight Meditation Center is currently offering some free virtual drop in programs.  Find more information here.

The Waltham Advaita Meditation Center is currently offering free virtual meditation classes.  Find more information here.

Deva Premal And Mitten, two amazing meditative musicians, offered a free daily meditation session from Costa Rica during this pandemic. You can find all of the recordings here.

The Insight Timer App  This is a free app that Louise enjoys. 45,000 free guided meditations, meditation music, timer with musical background or chimes.  You can get this for most devices and App stores. 

DharmaSeed  You can use this for free as an app or on your computer.  Lots of guided meditations with a Buddhist focus.

The Headspace App normally costs money but is offering one year free for those who are unemployed.

Smiling Mind App offers free meditation and mindfulness for adults and children.

Ten Percent Happier Podcast With Dan Harris   Inspirational and timely podcasts from the author of Ten Percent Happier.

Deva Premal and Mitten 21 day mantra meditation journey  These two delifghtful talented musicians teach us about mantras and meditations.  Very relaxing and soothing.

Tara Brach   This beloved psychologist and meditation teacher offers many free resources on her website.Jack Kornfield  Lots of free resources for difficult times from the beloved meditation teacher and psychologist.

Light Reads

Laura

The Wedding Date, The Proposal, The Wedding Party, and Royal Holiday by Jasmine Guillory: (Overdrive in e-book and audiobook). I love Guillory’s romances!  They have a diverse set of characters who are well rounded and the women have so much agency.  They all take place in the same universe but they can be enjoyed on their own.  

Eloise by Kay Thompson and Hilary Knight: (Hoopla audiobook)  Ooooooooooooooooooo I absolutely love Eloise!

Merci Suárez Changes Gears by Meg Medina: (Overdrive e-book) Lovely coming of age middle grade/young adult novel about a girl dealing with some changes in her family and navigating middle school drama.

Bridgerton romance novels by Julia Quinn: (Overdrive as e-books and audiobooks. Hoopla audiobooks)   British historical romance novels that are light, fun, and full of likable characters.  I have absolutely nothing in common with any of the characters, all of whom are connected to a sibling in the Bridgerton family, but I enjoy them anyway.

Starring Sally J. Freedman as Herself by Judy Blume (Overdrive e-book and audiobook): She has some more well known titles, I think, but this is my absolute favorite by Judy Blume.  Despite the fact that she was a young girl in the 1940s, I related so much to Sally and her family.  As a 10 year old, I found myself quoting Sally’s Ma Fanny, saying, “Knock on wood” and “God Forbid” which was pretty funny for a fifth grader.

Ashley

Fieldwork Fail by Jim Jourdane

How To:  Absurd Scientific Advice For Real World Problems  by Randall Munroe 

Sourdough:  A Novel  by Robin Sloan

Thus Was Adonis Murdered by Sarah Caldwell

Silhouette by Robin Hale

Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? And Other Concerns  by Mindy Kaling

Telepath by Janet Edwards

The Utterly Uninteresting and  Unadventurous Tales of fred the Vampire Accountant  

by Drew Hale

The Great Canadian  Baking Show Seasons 1-3 

Also on DailyMotion

Louise

Autopsy Of A Boring Wife by Marie Renee-Lavoie  I recommend this for those of us who are feeling like, hey, can I just have something to read that is light and fluffy like lemon meringue because that is all I can handle right now.  This book is amusing, light and kind of reminds me of some of the movies that Dianne Keaton stars in these days.  Our main character is surprised when her long time husband leaves her for a younger woman.  He found her to be rather boring.  She decides to change all that.  

Doc Martin  Oh, how I love my Doc Martin!  Beautiful scenery, wit, quirky characters, romance.  Doc Martin was a surgeon in London except he has a problem:  he can not handle the sight of blood.  So, he gets a job in beautiful Port Wenn where he runs the medical office and serves all of the delightful residents.  (Several seasons available on Hoopla for your viewing pleasure!)

The Floating Feldmans by Elyssa Friedland  This book is very funny and made me laugh out loud.  The Feldmans have a family reunion on a cruise ship and all sorts of secrets are revealed.  It’s light and funny and I really enjoyed this one.

How Not To Die Alone by Richard Roper  This book is hilarious and heartwarming.  If you need a laugh, give it a go. 

This Is Where I Leave You by Jonathan Tropper  Another hilarious book that will have you laughing out loud.  If you like Larry David’s show, Curb Your Enthusiasm, or if you enjoyed Portnoy’s Complaint by Phillip Roth, give this a try.

Something Blue by Emily Giffin  Giffin writes with wit and charm.  Our main character, Darcy, learns some life lessons and this book is like a lovely, soft blanket with a bowl of hagen daz.  

Great light read!

The Assistants by Camille Perri  This spunky, fun book is very satisfying.  The underpaid female assistants, many of whom have overwhelming college loans and can barely make their rents, are tired of seeing their successful bosses rake in the dough.  You will root for them and you will laugh out loud.  This is an excellent choice for fans of The Devil Wears Prada by Lauren Weisberger

A Diet To Die For by Joan Hess  This is a ‘mystery’ but what makes it most fun is the characters.  Claire Malloy owns a bookstore and her teenage daughter Caron is definitely a teenager.  There is a murder but this book will provide you with a steady ‘diet’ of laughs and lightness.  No need for deep thinking or stress with this book.  This has been a long time personal favorite of mine.

Dad Is Fat by Jim Gaffigan  A totally light memoir, this book will have you laughing out loud.  Jim Gaffigan, famous for his stand up comedy, happens to know how to write.  This was actually my first ‘encounter’ with Gaffigan, and I have been a big fan ever since.  No one knows how to do jokes about food, restaurants, and eating better than Jim Gaffigan.