Artwork by Ricardo Levins Morales
“Our needs are identical with labor’s needs. Decent wages, fair working conditions, livable housing, old-age security, health and welfare measures, conditions in which families can grow, have education for their children and respect in the community.” - Martin Luther King Jr.
"The worker must have bread, but she must have roses, too." Rose Schneiderman, April 2, 1911
Greetings, State House Watchers,
We’ll celebrate May Day this week, an occasion to remember the 1886 Haymarket Riot in Chicago, and to recognize the dignity and rights of workers – including immigrant workers, the extraordinary contributions of the labor movement, and the ongoing struggle for economic justice in New Hampshire and throughout the world. Read more here.
Join NH 50501 and many partners – including AFSC-NH – for a May Day rally at the State House on Friday from 11 AM to 1 PM. More information here. And then in the evening, the celebration continues at Veterans Park in Manchester from 5 PM to 9 PM. More details here.
We also want to lift up two more important events. Join Graduate Employees United – UNH/UAW for the People's State of the University Town Hall, 12:40 PM to 2 PM at the UNH Memorial Union Building, Theatre #2, Durham. From the organizers: “Join us for The People's State of the University, a community town hall on Friday, May 1 at the University of New Hampshire in Durham, where students, staff, faculty, and graduate workers come together to discuss the financial realities of the University System of New Hampshire from our own perspectives. The event will feature short remarks from a panel of community members, followed by an open discussion where attendees can share questions, experiences, and ideas. This is an opportunity to hear directly from those who live, work, and study at UNH, and to engage in an honest conversation about how university decisions are shaping our daily lives. All are welcome to attend and participate.” RSVP here.
Also on Friday, in Hanover, you can join the Rise Together rally at 4 PM, hosted by the Student Worker Collective at Dartmouth and other undergraduate student voices who will come together to say "no more war, abolish ICE and stop fascism."
And there’s more! Join us on Sunday, May 3 for a Celebration of Solidarity at Tuckaway Farm in Lee, NH. We envision a world where local community and cooperation are far more central than they are now; join us for a day that embodies that possibility. Whether we are talking about skills we need, sharing goods, or bringing fun and entertainment to each other, the possibilities abound. This event is free and open to all. Find the full schedule, further details, and register here. Volunteers are needed, so contact Maggie (afscnh@afsc.org) to help out on the day of the event.
Last week, NH Voices of Faith visited Governor Ayotte’s office, hoping to speak with her about our concerns related to poverty, assistance programs, affordable housing, public education, worker rights, and protections for vulnerable NH residents, including transgender people and immigrants. In the final weeks of the legislative session, we need to keep the pressure on. Read our letter and please contact the governor to urge her to act for the well-being of all New Hampshire residents.
Yesterday, Representative Travis Corcoran (R – Weare) was called before the House Legislative Administration Committee to explain his anti-Semitic social media post targeting a fellow legislator. Read more here and here. His recent comment was one in a long series of dehumanizing statements and we’re relieved to see that disciplinary action is under consideration. The committee can recommend a reprimand, censure, expulsion, or no action. Their recommendation will go on to the full House for approval. You can watch yesterday’s hearing here, starting at 1:15:30.
Last week, we celebrated when the House of Representatives defeated SB 101-FN, the public school open enrollment bill. When House members defeated the “ought to pass” recommendation, a motion to table was approved by a substantial margin. At this point, a 2/3 vote would be required to take the bill off the table, but this bad idea is not fully defeated yet. We’ll need to watch for whether the language of SB 101 gets added as an amendment to another bill. And we note that there’s another open enrollment bill - HB 751 - which has already passed both chambers and is awaiting a Committee of Conference. Read more here and here.
We’re very glad that the House of Representatives said ‘no’ to mandatory minimum sentences by referring SB 467-FN, establishing a mandatory minimum sentence for the crime of distribution of a controlled drug with death resulting, for interim study.
Also in the ‘good news’ category, House members defeated SB 459, exempting classification of individuals based on biological sex from the definition of an unlawful discriminatory practice in certain limited circumstances.
Unfortunately, the House Ways and Means recommended “ought to pass” for CACR 12, which, if passed by a 3/5 majority in both chambers, would go to the ballot as a proposal to prohibit all taxes on income in NH. Read more here. We appreciate Representative Sue Almy’s remarks: “’What we have been doing is cutting our revenues so that the situation gets harder and harder and harder for the people who pay property taxes in this state….’ Almy said, referring to the recent elimination or reduction of several taxes, including the interest and dividends tax on Jan. 1, 2025.” We expect CACR 12 to be on the House calendar when they meet to vote on May 14.
Remember that NH Voices of Faith has lots of ways to connect this month, with our “Short & Sweet” online advocacy programs every Tuesday and Thursday from 4 PM to 4:45 PM on Zoom. Register here to receive the zoom link. This week, we’ll be joined by not one but two Arnies! Arnie Arneson will be with us on April 28 – “NH Politics: The Rich, the Retired, and the Remunerated.” On Thursday, April 30, Arnie Alpert will wrap up the April series with a conversation about how we continue to meet this moment. You can watch last week’s presentations here: April 21 – “Protect Public Education” with Zandra Rice-Hawkins; and April 23 – “Defend Voting Rights” with the team at Open Democracy.
The Youth Success Project, an advocacy focused youth homelessness organization, is searching for their next Executive Director! The hiring committee invites you to learn more, apply, or share the opportunity with your networks. Please note that the application deadline is Friday, May 8. Please feel free to reach out to Ariel at ariel@nhyouthsuccess.com with any questions.
Recommended reading:
We recommend Arnie Alpert’s recent two-part series on the move to automate registration for the selective service and what may be ahead as the Trump administration seeks to grow the list of people eligible for the draft.
“Federal Government To Automatically Collect Draft-Age Men’s Data, Who Knew?” (InDepthNH, April 21, 2026)
“Automated Military Draft Not Imminent, Or Is it?” (InDepthNH, April 22, 2026)
Other news from AFSC – Take action for the people of Lebanon.
Please take action in defense of the people of Lebanon, where Israel has killed at least 1,268 people since March 2, including at least 125 children, 100 health care workers and five journalists. Israel has also targeted homes and civilian infrastructure, including bridges, fuel centers, hospitals, and health care centers. Six hospitals have been forced to close. More than one million people, approximately 17% of Lebanon's population, have been forced from their homes. Although a “ceasefire” between Israel and Lebanon is still in effect, Israel killed at least 14 people, including two children, on Sunday. Israel also violated its previous “ceasefire” with Lebanon more than 10,000 times in a little over a year, according to the UN.
Take a moment today to urge our Members of Congress to support two bills introduced by U.S. Representative Rashida Tlaib in support of the people of Lebanon. The first one, H.Res.1146, would call on the US to use its leverage to force an end to the Israeli invasion of Lebanon, and end military aid to Israel as it uses US weapons to commit war crimes in Lebanon and elsewhere. The Lebanon War Powers Resolution, H.Con.Res.83, would force the US to remove US military backing from the Israeli assault on Lebanon until Congress approves the use of the US military for such purposes.
ACTION ALERTS!
Our action alerts this week are to urge the governor to defeat bills related to discrimination and public assistance, urge your senator to defeat anti-immigrant bills, and to support public education.
Useful links:
Sign in for House hearings.
Sign in for Senate hearings.
Email House committees.
Email Senate committees.
Contact your Senator.
Contact your Representatives.
Contact the governor.
Today – Contact the governor – Protect access to local welfare benefits.
VETO HB 348, relative to eligibility for local assistance. From our friends at New Futures: “The original version of HB 348 created two major barriers to getting help through local welfare, a residency requirement and a $652 cap on monthly assistance. Your advocacy helped pass an amended version of HB 348. The amendment expands the documents needed to prove residency and removes the local welfare monthly benefit cap. The amendment is a step forward, but still some people will be harmed, so we oppose the bill.” Learn more here. Read more at NH Bulletin. HB 348 is on its way to the governor’s desk. Please contact the governor and urge her to veto this bill.
Today – Contact the governor – Defeat discriminatory bathroom and locker room bans.
OPPOSE anti-transgender bills. From 603 Equality: “There are 6 nearly identical pieces of legislation making their way through the NH House and Senate. Let's remind Governor Kelly Ayotte’s that as recently as February, she's vetoed similar legislation. These bills seek to legalize discrimination for bathrooms, locker rooms, sports, and prisons on the basis of "biological sex" as defined as only "male" and "female,” completely erasing the scientific reality of intersex individuals. These discriminatory policies have no place in NH and create real world privacy and safety concerns for all Granite Staters.” Read more here. Please contact the governor and urge her to veto all anti-transgender bills that may arrive to her desk.
Today – Contact your senator – Defeat anti-immigrant housing bills.
OPPOSE HB 1709, prohibiting certain unlawfully present felons [sic] from occupying or renting real property, and OPPOSE HB 1499, relative to additional grounds for eviction under the landlord and tenant statute. Both of these harmful bills would deny rental housing to certain groups of immigrants. In addition, HB 1709 would mandate that sheriffs act as immigration agents during evictions. Read more here and here. HB 1499 will be voted on in the Senate Judiciary Committee on Thursday of this week. HB 1709 will be voted on when the Senate meets in session on May 14. Please use this action alert from ACLU-NH to send a message to your state senator today, and contact your senator via phone or email as well.
Tuesday, April 28 – Defend public education.
Public Education Advocacy Day at the NH State House – 9 AM to 3:15 PM, DoubleTree by Hilton, 172 North Main Street, Concord. Join students, families, educators, advocates, and elected officials for Public Education Day at the NH State House! It's a great chance to connect, learn, and support strong public schools for New Hampshire’s students and future. Don’t miss out on this action-packed, fun and informative day.
OPPOSE HB 1300, establishing a biennial school district local tax cap question and related limitations on central office administrative expenses in school districts. From the NH School Funding Fairness Project: “This bill would force every community to vote on a school tax cap every two years on the November ballot, completely side-stepping our local decision-making process that plays out in deliberative sessions and town meetings across the state. HB 1300 strips local control and shifts power away from communities, all while targeting public schools that serve the vast majority of our children. It provides no property tax relief and doesn’t solve the real challenges facing our schools and communities. This is not the New Hampshire way.” This bill has a public hearing in the Senate Election Law Committee on Tuesday, April 28 at 9:30 AM in Room 122-123, SH. Please sign in to oppose and share testimony.
Key:
GP – Granite Place. More information here.
SH – State House (107 N. Main St. Concord)
SL – State Library
OTP – “Ought to Pass,” the recommendation for approving a bill or an amendment
OTP/A – Ought to Pass with Amendment
ITL – “Inexpedient to Legislate,” the recommendation for defeating a bill or an amendment.
ITL” can also be used as a verb.
“Without Recommendation” - This indicates that the committee vote was a tie for both ITL and OTP. During the House session, these bills will be considered first as Ought to Pass.
Re-refer – When a Senate committee wishes to hold onto a bill for further consideration. The recommendation to re-refer must be approved in the full Senate. The committee will have until the end of the calendar year to meet about the bill and make a recommendation for further action.
Retain – When a House committee wishes to hold onto a bill for further consideration. The committee makes this decision for themselves; approval in the full House is not needed. The committee has until the end of the calendar year to make a recommendation for further action.
RC – Roll call vote. Each legislator’s vote is recorded and attributed to them.
VV – Voice vote
DV – Division vote
Last week in the House
The House met in session on Thursday, April 23. You can watch it here. Here are the bills we’re tracking which were voted on.
On the Consent Calendar
COMMERCE AND CONSUMER AFFAIRS
SB 657-FN, (New Title) creating a study commission to oversee the use of artificial intelligence in the state. OTP-A by VV.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND PUBLIC SAFETY
SB 467-FN, relative to the penalty for certain fentanyl-related offenses and establishing a mandatory minimum sentence for the crime of distribution of a controlled drug with death resulting. Referred for interim study.
SB 512-FN, relative to fees to annul criminal records related to charges that do not result in conviction. OTP by VV.
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENTS AND ADMINISTRATION
SB 457-FN, (New Title) relative to the licensing of physicians who graduated from medical schools outside of the United States or Canada. ITL by VV.
HEALTH, HUMAN SERVICES AND ELDERLY AFFAIRS
SB 441-FN, (New Title) relative to the financial responsibility for local assistance and enabling municipalities to request a hearing regarding the residency of an assisted person. Referred for interim study.
JUDICIARY
SB 459, (New Title) exempting classification of individuals based on biological sex from the definition of an unlawful discriminatory practice in certain limited circumstances. ITL by VV.
PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS
SB 541-FN-A, (New Title) relative to capital appropriations for regional drinking water infrastructure. OTP by VV.
RESOURCES, RECREATION AND DEVELOPMENT
SB 595, (New Title) relative to rulemaking for transient non-community water systems. OTP-A by VV.
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND ENERGY
SB 447, enabling electric utilities to own, operate, and offer advanced nuclear resources, and relative to purchased power agreements for electric distribution utilities and limitations on community customer generators. ITL by VV.
On the Regular Calendar
COMMERCE AND CONSUMER AFFAIRS
SB 528-FN, prohibiting receiving compensation for lobbying on behalf of a foreign adversary. Referred for interim study.
EDUCATION POLICY AND ADMINISTRATION
SB 101-FN, (New Title) authorizing parents to enroll their children in any public school in the state and creating a limited exemption from parental consent required for certain recordings under the parental bill of rights. The “Ought to Pass” recommendation was defeated by a roll call vote of 168-184. A motion to table the bill passed by a division vote of 320-32.
HEALTH, HUMAN SERVICES AND ELDERLY AFFAIRS
SB 543-FN, relative to long-term care eligibility and making an appropriation therefor. ITL by RC, 182-154.
SB 545-FN, relative to financial eligibility for the Medicare savings program. ITL by RC, 182-153.
SB 549-FN, (New Title) requiring certain syringe service program entities to provide options for disposal of used syringes and needles and creating reporting requirements for such entities. OTP by DV, 186-152.
JUDICIARY
SB 464-FN, relative to civil rights enforcement. OTP-A by VV.
PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS
SB 627-FN, (New Title) relative to toll rate adjustments and periodic inflation-based toll reviews for the New Hampshire turnpike system to support the 2027-2036 ten-year transportation plan. OTP-A by VV.
RESOURCES, RECREATION AND DEVELOPMENT
SB 450-FN, relative to a state parks pass pilot program for recovery centers and community mental health centers. ITL by VV.
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND ENERGY
SB 449-FN, (New Title) relative to the participation of large customer-generators in net metering and relative to energy storage in connection with net metering. ITL by RC, 181-158.
SB 538-FN, extending net metering eligibility terms for municipal energy projects. OTP-A by VV.
SB 540-FN, relative to portable solar generation devices. OTP-A by DV, 293-43.
Last week in the Senate
The Senate met in session on Thursday, April 23. You can watch it here. Here are the bills we’re tracking which were voted on.
On the Consent Calendar
COMMERCE
HB 1196-FN, repealing the state housing champion designation and grant program. ITL by VV.
EDUCATION FINANCE
HB 1121, defining the cost of an adequate education. Laid on table.
HB 1563-FN-L, relative to the special education aid formula and the administration and monitoring of state special education aid. OTP by VV.
On the Regular Calendar
EDUCATION
HB 1571-FN-A, requiring the department of education to review statewide academic standards and curricula. OTP-A by VV.
HB 1828-FN, requiring the department of education to establish an auditing process relative to teacher preparation programs at the post-secondary educational level. OTP-A by VV.
Coming Up in the House
The House will not meet in session next week. Representatives are asked to hold May 7 and May 13 for possible session days. May 14 is a confirmed session day, and the last day to act on all Senate bills.
Coming Up in House Committees
You can watch the House hearings here. You can sign in for House bills here. And you can contact House committees here.
Monday, April 27
LEGISLATIVE ADMINISTRATION, Room 229, GP
10 AM Public hearing to consider the matter of Representative Corcoran as referred to the committee by the House of Representatives.
WAYS AND MEANS, Room 159, GP
10:00 AM Full committee work session on CACR 12, relating to voting on broad-based taxes. Providing that a supermajority vote of the general court shall be required to enact any broad-based taxes.
10:30 AM Executive session on CACR 12, relating to voting on broad-based taxes. Providing that a supermajority vote of the general court shall be required to enact any broad-based taxes.
Tuesday, April 28
EDUCATION FUNDING, Room 232, GP
10:00 AM Public hearing on proposed non-germane amendment #2026-1441h to SB 491-FN, enabling students to utilize education freedom account funds to pay for certain career and technical education funding. This amendment enables students to utilize education freedom account funds to pay for certain career and technical education funding and removes references to “curriculum frameworks” as they relate to the substantive educational content of an adequate education.
Thursday, April 30
CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND PUBLIC SAFETY, Room 159, GP
10:00 AM SB 617, relative to the removal of abandoned vehicles by law enforcement, relative to the regulation and appeal of motor vehicle towing from public highways, and prohibiting the division of motor vehicles from suspending a license on the basis of debt owed to a private entity related to the towing or storing of a motor vehicle.
Coming Up in the Senate
The Senate will not meet in session next week.
Coming Up in Senate Committees
You can watch the Senate hearings here. You can sign in for Senate bills here. And you can contact Senate committees here.
Tuesday, April 28
ELECTION LAW AND MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS, Room 122-123, SH
9:30 AM HB 1300, establishing a biennial school district local tax cap question and related limitations on central office administrative expenses in school districts.
Thursday, April 30
JUDICIARY, Room 100, SH
10:20 AM HB 1637, relative to the scheduling of hearings on certain motions to modify or revoke bail.
1:00 PM HB 1416, prohibits certain government regulations regarding pregnancy resource centers in connection with abortion and contraception service offerings.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Every Third Tuesday
Protect, Resist and Build with AFSC– 8 PM to 9:30 PM. Hosted by AFSC. Monthly webinar series that brings together AFSC constituents to learn about how to protect, resist, and build just peace, just migration, and just economies.
Every Wednesday
Solemn Vigils for Ceasefire Now – 2 PM in Dover at the district offices of Senator Jeanne Shaheen and Congressman Chris Pappas. The April 29 vigil will be at Shaheen’s office, 2 Washington Street, Dover; we gather at the entrance to Henry Law Park. The May 6 vigil will be at the corner of Central Ave & Third St, down the street from Pappas' district office, 15 Third Street, Dover.
Every First Wednesday
Mindful Meditation with Aryaloka Buddhist Center of Newmarket – 6 PM to 7 PM, Waysmeet, 15 Mill Road, Durham. Join us for a monthly, volunteer-led guided meditation. We have some cushions and yoga mats to share; you’re invited to bring whatever you may need to feel comfortable for 30 minutes of meditation. Free and open to all. For more information: waysmeetcenter.org/calendar.
Every Third Wednesday
Countering Christian Nationalism conversation – 7 PM, hosted by the NH Council of Churches, every third Wednesday of the month. Zoom link here.
Every Thursday
Meeting for Worship with Attention to Peace – 7:30 PM. Hosted by AFSC. Every week, AFSC’s Quaker Engagement team hosts Meeting for Worship virtually for Friends from across the globe. Embracing the practice of Quaker unprogrammed worship, we gather to bring our attention to witnessing injustice in our world and bolstering our solidarity with people facing oppression. Join us to explore and experience the spiritual dimensions of activism and social justice.
Solemn Vigils for Ceasefire Now – 12 noon at City Hall Plaza, in front of the State House, Concord.
Every Friday
AFSC Action Hour for a Ceasefire – 12 noon. Join AFSC staff every Friday to hear updates on what’s happening in Gaza. Then, take action with us as we contact Congress and call for a permanent cease-fire, arms embargo on Israel, and humanitarian access for Gaza. Our elected officials need to keep hearing from us!
Stronger Together: Protect Our Neighbors Weekly Visibility – 4 PM to 5 PM. Hosted by the Stronger Together Coalition. Corner of North Main Street and Loudon Road, Concord. Join us for a weekly visibility to stand against the war being raged against our communities. Our immigrant loved ones and neighbors are being targeted and kidnapped off the streets. Our public dollars are being funneled into a violent, bloated deportation and detention machine while local police are being weaponized against the communities they are supposed to serve, and life-giving programs are being defunded. Stand with us to protect our communities. All are welcome!
Every Second Saturday
Nashua Immigrant Solidarity Vigil – 12 PM to 1 PM, hosted by Granite State Organizing Project (GSOP), at United Methodist Church, 154 Main Street, Nashua. Lately, the loudest voices have been those of hate and division. This is our opportunity to show our community that there are people here who welcome immigrants. Bring signs with positive messages.
Every Fourth Friday
Sacred Circle Dance for Spring Equinox – 6 PM to 7:30 PM, at the Community Church of Durham UCC, 15 Main Street Durham. Join us to celebrate the Spring Equinox with dance! People in all cultures, throughout history and across the world, dance. We join in this tradition with dances from a multi-cultural folk dance background. The dances are accessible to many ages, body types and experience levels. Steps taught at all dance sessions. No experience or partner needed. We gather to dance on the fourth Friday of every month in Seacoast NH. Cost: sliding scale of $5-25, pay at the door, cash or check please.
Tuesday, April 28, 2026
Public Education Advocacy Day at the NH State House – 9 AM to 3:15 PM, DoubleTree by Hilton, 172 North Main Street, Concord. Join us in person for Public Education Day at the NH State House! It's a great chance to connect, learn, and support strong public schools for New Hampshire’s students and future. Join fellow students, families, educators, advocates, and elected officials -- don’t miss out on this action-packed, fun and informative day.
Thursday, April 30, 2026
Unmasking Christian Nationalism: Institution, Ideology, & Impact: Impacts on Government & Family – 10 AM to 12 noon. Online event hosted by NH Council of Churches. This is the first of a 3-part series on how this ideology is playing out in government and family life. We will examine concrete examples of how this version of white supremacy influences legislation, administrative decisions, civic participation, and public narratives about families, gender roles, authority, and belonging.
Friday, May 1, 2026
Workers Over Billionaires; Together We Stand – 11 AM to 1 PM, State House Plaza, 107 North Main Street, Concord. Hosted by NH 50501, AFSC-NH, and many other organizations. Our demands for May 1: Tax the rich so our families, not their fortunes, come first. No ICE. No war. No private army serving unchecked federal power. Expand democracy, not corporate power. Hands off our vote. Join us as together we celebrate May 1 through action and community.
Workers Over Billionaires – 5 PM to 9 PM, Veteran’s Memorial Park, Manchester. Across the country, workers and students will rally, march, and take action to demand a true democracy for the working-class! May 1, 2026, is a call to action with many refusing business as usual through: No school! No work! No shopping!
Sunday, May 3, 2026
Celebrating Solidarity – 1 PM to 8 PM (drop in anytime), at Tuckaway Farm, 4 Captain Smith Emerson Road, Lee. Hosted by Seacoast Permaculture, Tuckaway Farm, and AFSC-NH. There are so many ways that we can and do support each other, in good and tough times. Many of us envision a world where local community and cooperation are far more central than they are now. Please join us for a day that embodies that possibility. Whether we are talking about skills we need, sharing goods, or bringing fun and entertainment to each other, the possibilities abound. Free and open to all. Find the full schedule, further details, and register here.
Friday, May 8, 2026
Meg Stone Presents “Don’t Fight Back!“– 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM, Gibson’s Book Store, 45 South Main Street, Concord. Meg Stone visits Gibson's Bookstore in partnership with 603 Equality to share her book, ‘Don't Fight Back’: And 10 Other Myths About Crime, Personal Safety, and Gender-Based Violence. Each chapter offers practical strategies for protecting ourselves that also contribute to the activism it takes to change the conditions that cause or contribute to violence.
Saturday, May 9, 2026
Love Our Earth Day: There is No Planet B – 10 AM to 1 PM, 18 Veterans Square, Laconia. Free outdoor community event, celebrating the Lakes Region environment. What to expect: Family Friendly Activities, youth-led groups, local & regional nonprofits. Sponsored by Congregational Church of Laconia, Laconia Gilford Lions Club, Climate Action, Unitarian Universalist Society of Laconia, and Citizens’ Climate Lobby.
De-Escalation/Self Defense Concord – 10 AM to 5 PM, in (Address shared at registration.) 603 Equality is offering a De-escalation and Self-Defense training led by Impact Boston. This is a scenario-based training to develop verbal de-escalation and basic physical self-defense skills specifically for the trans/queer/gender non-conforming community. This will include responses to bullying, harassment and bathroom enforcement scenarios. This training is centered in a trauma-informed, disability-aware, queer-positive, feminist approach, and your feelings are welcomed.
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
NH Center for Equity and Justice – Annual Meeting – 1:30 PM to 6 PM, at The Hawthorn, 33 Jewell Court, Portsmouth. Be part of the NH Center for Justice & Equity’s Annual Meeting. Join over 150 changemakers to organize & collaborate across sector, issue, identity, in support of our states marginalized communities.
Sunday, May 17, 2026
Tales from Trans+ Lives Lake Region – 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM (Address shared at registration.) Join 603 Equality for an evening of storytelling to learn more about the lives of local transgender and nonbinary people, in an intimate and inviting environment. Storytellers will share their lives at some depth, with humor and openness: transition, healthcare, schools, challenges, successes, hopes, and fears. Following individual sharing, we will open the floor to thoughtful questions and reflections.
Thursday, May 21, 2026
Ona Judge Day Tour – 2 PM, at 222 Court Street, Portsmouth at the BHTNH Headquarters. On this special Ona Judge Day Tour, you will hear the true story of a young woman's quest for freedom. See the waterfront where Ona landed and visit the Portsmouth properties of some of America's most famous families - the Langdons, Warners, and Lears - whose stories are also bound to her incredible journey.
Saturday, May 24, 2026
Ona Judge Staines Mural Unveiling – 2 PM, 222 Court Street, Portsmouth. After years of lifting up her story, we invite you to a powerful moment of truth, remembrance, and celebration—the unveiling of the Ona Judge mural in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. At a time when her marker in Philadelphia was removed, only to be rightfully reinstalled by law, we are reminded how fragile history can be. Here in New Hampshire, we are ensuring Ona Judge’s courageous journey to freedom is seen, honored, and never erased. Join us as we bring her story into full view, bold, permanent, and undeniable. Stay with us immediately following the unveiling for a special reception to meet author Erica Armstrong Dunbar, the nationally recognized expert on the history of Ona Judge and NH’s own award-winning public mural artist Manny Ramirez, as we honor a woman whose bravery still echoes today.
Wednesday, May 27, 2026
Un-Masking Christian Nationalism: Impacts on Education & Business – 6:30 PM to 8 PM, online. Zandra Rice Hawkins will explore how Christian nationalist ideology is working to undermine public education, including efforts to reshape curricula, restrict inclusive teaching, and redirect public resources, and why these strategies are central to advancing a broader ideological agenda. James McKim will examine how Christian nationalist ideology is impacting business, including its influence on workplace policies, corporate decision-making, and broader economic practices, with particular attention to how these shifts affect equity, inclusion, and the integrity of diverse marketplaces. Attendees will be provided with practical tools and the names of organizations already engaging in resisting this version of white supremacy in NH.
Friday, May 29, 2026
New Hampshire Women’s Foundation 9th Annual GALA – 6 PM to 11 PM, DoubleTree Hotel, 700 Elm Street, Manchester. The New Hampshire Women’s Foundation invites you to a celebration of New Hampshire’s trailblazing women at our ninth annual GALA with dinner, dancing and honoring this year’s AmplifiHER awardee.
Saturday, May 30, 2026
Queer Waterfall Hike with the Reproductive Freedom Fund of NH – 10 AM to 1 PM, White Mountains NH. Have you ever wanted to hike to an 80-foot waterfall? Join Volunteer Jess and the Reproductive Freedom Fund of NH for a relaxing afternoon day hike in the forest. The ReproFund works to alleviate financial burdens to reproductive and gender affirming healthcare for those living and seeking it in NH. This event will be part of the Repro Fund's Spring Reprolympics series to help raise funds for their queer care program! All event proceeds will go to the Repro Fund!
Sunday, May 31, 2026
Tales From Trans+ Lives- Manchester -5:30 PM to 7:30 PM (Address shared at registration.) Join us for an evening of storytelling to learn more about the lives of local transgender and nonbinary people, in an intimate and inviting environment. Storytellers will share their lives at some depth, with humor and openness: transition, healthcare, schools, challenges, successes, hopes, and fears. Following individual sharing, we will open the floor to thoughtful questions and reflections.
Saturday, June 6, 2026
Windham Pride Festival – 12 PM to 4 PM, at Windham High School. Hosted by Windham Citizens for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. This community favorite event is free and family friendly. Come experience incredible live entertainment, delicious food trucks, and fun activities guaranteed to keep everyone entertained and engaged all day long. All this, while supporting our local LGBTQ+ community!
Sunday, June 7, 2026
Concord Pride 5K Run/Walk – 9 AM, at the NH State House, Concord. The Concord Pride 5K is back for year three! Registration is open! The Concord Pride 5K is back and we’re so excited to bring the race magic back for another year! Join us for a fun, welcoming race-day atmosphere filled with music, Pride energy, and community celebration from start to finish. Some will run for time, some will walk with friends, some will dance across the finish line — all ages, all abilities, and all paces are welcome.
Friday, June 12, 2026
Pride Event – Lebanon – 6 PM to 8:30 PM, at the Lebanon Opera House, 51 North Park Street, Lebanon. For our 5th annual salute to the LGTBQIA+ community, we’re turning up the volume! Our popular resource and artisan fair will be held in Colburn Park followed by a loud and proud dance party inside the theater with guest DJs.
Friday, June 19, 2026
Juneteenth Freedom Walk – 9 AM, John Paul Jones Memorial Park, Kittery. Celebrate Juneteenth side-by-side with others of goodwill by walking from Kittery, Maine, to the African Burying Ground in Portsmouth, NH. Meet at John Paul Jones Memorial Park on the Kittery side of Route 1 Memorial Bridge. Walkers will gather at 9 AM and begin the walk at 9:30 AM to the Burying Ground at 386 State Street, Portsmouth, led by The Leftist Marching Band.
The Healing Rhythm of the Drums – 11 AM, at the African Burying Ground, 386 State Street, Portsmouth. Join us for a sacred Juneteenth gathering honoring the lives and legacies of those excluded from America’s founding promises – Native Americans, Africans and African Americans, immigrants, Latinos, and other marginalized communities. This cross-cultural commemorative event includes a Native American blessing. The reading of Portsmouth’s enslaved Africans’ names, and African drumming and dance. Together, we will remember, reflect, and celebrate resilience, culture, and community. The gathering invites us to honor the past while envisioning the America we can become – one that truly lives up to its ideals of liberty, justice, and inclusion for all. All are welcome.
Saturday, June 20, 2026
Portsmouth Pride – 12:30 PM to 5 PM, at the Strawberry Banke Museum, 14 Hancock Street, Portsmouth.
Sunday, June 21, 2026
Meet New Hampshire’s 5 to Know – 10 AM, at the Black Heritage Trail of NH, 222 Court Street, Portsmouth. This Juneteenth, step into history and celebrate five extraordinary African Americans whose courage, brilliance, and resolve shaped the nation. Firsts in Freedom honors Black pioneers who broke barriers, claimed their humanity, and helped define what freedom means in America. Through dynamic living history interpreters, these historic figures will come to life – sharing their stories in their own voices and inviting you into the moments that changed history. This is a family-friendly celebration and will also feature hands-on activities for children, interactive learning stations, and opportunities to engage directly with interpreters. Young visitors can explore history through crafts, storytelling, and creative play designed to spark curiosity and pride.
Tales from Trans+ Lives Portsmouth – 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM (Address shared at registration.) Join 603 Equality for an evening of storytelling to learn more about the lives of local transgender and nonbinary people, in an intimate and inviting environment. Storytellers will share their lives at some depth, with humor and openness: transition, healthcare, schools, challenges, successes, hopes, and fears. Following individual sharing, we will open the floor to thoughtful questions and reflections.
Saturday, June 27, 2026
2026 Frederick Douglass Readings – 12 noon, at locations statewide (see below). On July 5, 1852, Frederick Douglass, an abolitionist and heroic orator for liberty, delivered on of his most famous speeches in which he asked, “What to the slave is your Fourth of July?” For the past several years, the BHTNH has collaborated with community leaders around the Granite State to bring people together to read Douglass’s historic protest speech and to reflect on its meaning. This event happens on the Saturday before the 4th of July at 12 noon. While reading Frederick Douglass’ work is a powerful experience for many, it is only one piece of the long-overdue conversations that our communities need to have. We hope that these readings will be a starting point for these difficult dialogues and that they will provide an opportunity for us to engage in deeper conversations that will lead to actions to help build more inclusive and just communities today.
Portsmouth, NH – Hosted by Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire at Strawberry Banke, 14 Hancock Street, Portsmouth
Amherst, NH – Congregational Church of Amherst, 11 Church Street, Amherst
Andover, NH – Andover Historical Society, Potter Place, 105 Depot Street, Andover
Canterbury, NH – Canterbury Shaker Village in Partnership with Canterbury’s Elkins Public Library, Location TBD
With best wishes,
Maggie Fogarty, Maille & Kathleen Wooten, and April Richer
AFSC’s New Hampshire “State House Watch" newsletter is published to bring you information about matters being discussed in Concord including housing, the death penalty, immigration, education, civil liberties, and labor rights. We also follow the state budget and tax system, voting rights, corrections policy, and more.
The AFSC is a Quaker organization supported by people of many faiths who care about peace, social justice, humanitarian service, and nonviolent change. Maggie Fogarty is the NH Director for AFSC which publishes this newsletter; April Richer is the NH Interfaith Organizer. Maille Wooten, in partnership with Kathleen Wooten, is AFSC’s State House Watch researcher and database manager.
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