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Celebrating All the Good Trouble We Make Together

I’ve been thinking a lot about the quote Ana Maria Archila, activist and co-executive director of the Center for Popular Democracy, shared on Saturday, words of activist Valarie Kaur: 

“What if America is not a nation dying, but a nation waiting to be born? What does the midwife say? Before she says push, she says breathe, because if we don’t breathe, we die.” 

(If you haven’t listened to Valarie Kaur’s TedTalk on revolutionary love, do it now. It’s beautiful.) 

The People’s Celebration is an opportunity to celebrate the progress of our movement over the past year. This year wasn’t about wins and losses. It was about learning to breathe, together, in unison.   

The progress of the past year was all about alignment—getting clear about our values, deepening our collaborations, and ensuring that our visions for the future included all of us.  

On Saturday, we brought together changemakers, magic makers, and troublemakers from the Twin Cities, Brooklyn Park and Brooklyn Center, Duluth, St. Cloud, Grand Rapids, Big Stone County and more.  People from across our movements fighting for justice and democracy. Community members. Elected officials. Workers. Candidates. Organizers. Leaders.    

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We celebrated our investment in movement–builders who will lead a people-centered democracy.  

We celebrated all the people-power in our progressive movement. 

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And we celebrated the commitment that we collectively make to building a democracy that’s by us and for us. … Continue reading »

Reflection, Healing, and Magic: The Transformative Power of Angela Conley’s Campaign

Angela Conley was born and raised in South Minneapolis. A leader and mother, she not only worked with people directly impacted by the services controlled by the Board of Commissioners during her 20-years as a Hennepin County employee—she used them herself. She knows how the over two billion dollar budget that the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners operates fits into a bigger picture of housing assistance, accessible transportation, mental health care, and public health. “That’s twice the size of Jay-Z and Beyonce’s net worth,” she often liked to remind people on the campaign trail.

Angela’s win for Hennepin County commissioner really was a win for all of us, because she ran a campaign centered on all of us. A campaign that stated, again and again, that “experts are those with lived experiences.” In a system where people are so often pushed to the margins, Angela offered a way in. That’s what inspired TakeAction Minnesota member leaders to make phone calls, knock doors, and text their friends to get out the vote for Angela. And it worked.

In a system where people are so often pushed to the margins, Angela offered a way in.

Hear directly from TakeAction Minnesota member leaders about what Angela’s campaign and election has meant to them.… Continue reading »

Weaving Magic, Together

The story of Angela Conley’s victory is one about organizing, to be sure. Electoral victories happen because doors are knocked, conversations are had, volunteers are recruited and retained, babies are cared for, dinner is made, and so many spreadsheets are managed. All that. But this victory is also about leadership, love, and alchemy. It’s a story of the magic and power that is unleashed when a community comes together and exercises their radical imagination.

We cast a love spell together. And it worked. 

Angela led us with the weight of history on her shoulders. More than 150 years of all-white leadership on the Hennepin County board, the weight of white supremacy and toxic masculinity as so many told her to sit down and wait her turn. The weight of institutional power as nearly every elected official and labor union in the state endorsed her opponent and money flowed into his campaign coffers from every developer, lawyer, lobbyist, sports team owner, and other powerful interest in town. The weight of all of the hope that we had—the weight of holding up the vision of a world where she was our Commissioner, believing it with all she had, sharing her vision of that world with us again and again, even when we got discouraged, even when she got discouraged.… Continue reading »

Win the Day: What’s next?

Dear Friends,  In this 90 second video, Ricardo Levins Morales explains that when it comes to political change, the soil is more important than the seeds. That means, the political landscape we're working in matters. And we can cultivate the soil --  that is, the values, narratives, and ideas -- so that more is possible in the future. 

Elections Recap: Joyful Politics, #OneMinnesota, and Making History

During midterms, TakeAction Minnesota members, member leaders, and volunteers showed up joyfully and powerfully.  

And it paid off.  

At TakeAction Minnesota, we’re working toward a bold, progressive vision for our state and a people-centered democracy. Going into this election, we committed to electing leaders who are ready to co-govern and share our vision for a Minnesota for all of us. A Minnesota where we all have affordable and accessible health care. Fair wages. Clean air and water. Affordable housing. Safety and liberation. 

Over 600 volunteers across the state—including St. Paul, Duluth, and St. Cloud—dreamed and mobilized for that vision of Minnesota with us. Together, we reached out to 300,000+ progressive voters, on the doors, by phone, and by text. 

Together, We Won Big

TakeAction Minnesota made over 24 endorsements—and together, we won big. 

• Tim Walz and Peggy Flanagan will be our next Governor and Lt. Governor. Peggy is the first Native American woman to be elected Lt. Governor in our state—and we’re thrilled.  

Guess who is going to be our next Governor and Lt. Governor?!

TakeAction Minnesota members, leaders & volunteers knocked nearly 4,000 doors TODAY ALONE.

That’s power folks. Can’t wait to see what we build together with @Tim_Walz & @peggyflanagan.

… Continue reading »

Win the Day: Volume 10 (The Day After)

When we started Win The Day, we knew we’d need to play some defense.  (See our recent post after the anti-Semitic violence in Pittsburgh.)  But we also knew we’d need to go on the offense.  And while there is much celebrate after last night’s elections, there is even more work to do.  How we do that, who we talk with, who we center, what language we use -- that’s what our narrative work is focused on.

Win the Day: Volume 9 (Election Day Eve)

Tomorrow we vote. And the day after that, we’ll rest.  (Actually, we’re going bowling.)  And then, win or lose (and it’s usually some of both), we’ll keep organizing.  However things go on Tuesday, we’re still in.  We have to be.  There’s too much at stake: how we care for each other, what we build together, the future we’re leaving for those who follow. The Politics of Joy have kept us grounded this year. We’re both scrambling for the win and dreaming about what’s possible.  We can hear the dog-whistlers, we can name them, and then we go prove them wrong.  Yeah, we’re on the team that sings.

I’m Voting for Reproductive Freedom on Nov. 6

My name is Aliya, and I am TakeAction Minnesota’s deputy communications director.

I’m excited to vote for candidates who will stand for reproductive freedoms this November—candidates like Tina Smith, Tim Walz, Peggy Flanagan, and Keith Ellison. They’ve pledged to fight for the rights of all Minnesotans so that no matter your gender, race, or zip code, all of us are able to make our own decisions about our bodies and our health care.

My mother grew up poor, in rural Pennsylvania, living part of her childhood with her grandmother because her parents didn’t have enough to make ends meet. Intergenerational trauma and poverty significantly limited the choices my mother had— and the choices that she even knew were possible.

My father immigrated from Pakistan, raising me and my sister in a small town in the Midwest as a single parent. I’m grateful for the sacrifices he made, but I wish he had more tools and resources so that he didn’t have to sacrifice so much.

I grew up in drastically different circumstances than either of my parents, with more resources and choices than they had. I believe that everyone should have access to the choices and care they need, not just a select few. … Continue reading »

Keith Ellison Will Stand With All of Us

At TakeAction Minnesota, we can imagine a state where everyone is able to live free, joyful lives. As a people’s organization, we’re dedicated to building a democracy that represents and reflects who we are as Minnesotans.

Since June, TakeAction Minnesota endorsed U.S. Rep. Keith Ellison and embarked on a three month journey with member leaders, centered on gender justice that reaffirmed our wholehearted support for his campaign. (Read about it here.)

Now it’s almost Election Day.

With each passing week, the vicious political attacks against Rep. Ellison have mounted, driving fear based on his race and religious beliefs. Through this time, Rep. Ellison has continued to show up with tenacity, moral courage, and on the side of the people, just like he always has. Rep. Ellison has stood up for our rights, our freedom, and our future.

Now it’s time for us to stand with him.

It’s never been more important to stand in solidarity with one another and focus on the love, goodness, and decency in this world. It’s all around us, we just need to make the choice to embrace it. pic.twitter.com/nYhDQ8yB4v

— Keith for Attorney General (@EllisonCampaign) October 28, 2018

 

What’s At Stake

The stakes couldn’t be higher for Minnesotans.… Continue reading »

Win the Day Volume 8

When we started writing this blog eight weeks ago we thought we had a pretty straightforward purpose: to inoculate against dog-whistle politics. It seemed obvious that some politicians were going to race & gender code words to try to divide voters, to build their own careers. Then last week happened. Our hearts go out to families and communities in Pittsburgh. And Louisville. And New York, and D.C., and Florida, and California. The line from dog-whistles to hate-speech to right-wing political violence is unmistakable. And sadly predictable. Politicians have been warned. Studies have been published. Survivors have spoken out. Still, some politicians hide behind false equivalencies, whataboutism, and plausible deniability. To this we say: we see you. Your dog-whistle is disqualifying. Your anti-Semitic, anti-Muslim, anti-immigrant, anti-LGBTQ, anti-woman rhetoric is more than irresponsible; it is a contribution. It is participation. It is a building block of political violence. But while we are angry; we can’t act out of anger. We won’t demonize or name-call. We also won’t act out of fear (though we’ll admit we do feel that too). The people being targeted by right-wing hate are the very people who inspire us. People and communities who experience oppression, but still show up, still act together, they have something we want. That’s why we’re so invested in political healing. Developed by women of color, like Cara Page, it’s an active, deliberate response to the historic & everyday trauma that too many communities have lived through.

Busy Voter’s Guide to the Governor’s Race

Hey Minnesota –

The midterm election is coming up November 6.

The Busy Voter’s Guide to the Governor’s Race is here to help YOU get informed about the Governor’s race.

Wondering who else is running in your district?

Get ready with our official Busy Voter’s Guide to the Midterm Election.

It’s so simple—enter your address and you can read more about each of the candidates running in your district. Like a candidate? Add them to your sample ballot to print or email to help you remember. You can also get a reminder to vote and help finding your polling place.

We know—it’s so easy. So awesome. 

We Support Tim Walz for Governor. Here’s Why. 

In Minnesota, we believe that we’re better off together and we’re #GreaterThanFear. We want a democracy that’s inclusive and elected officials who are close to the people.

TakeAction Minnesota is a progressive people’s organization. Our member leaders endorsed Tim Walz for Governor. His opponent, Jeff Johnson, is a Hennepin County Commissioner who doesn’t align with our values. (You can learn more about him on his website. He’s a Trump guy. We’ll leave it at that.)

Tim Walz is a former 20-year classroom teacher, coach, and member of Congress who served 24 years as a member of the Army National Guard.… Continue reading »

Win the Day: Volume 7

With just over two weeks left till Election Day we know that political campaigning is only going to get hotter and louder.  And some politicians would also like to make it scarier. But we see through that. First, the fear-mongering is super obvious.  Dog-whistle politics is dated, tired, transparent, and bogus. Second, not all politicians use it.  When we speak and act from a different, values-grounded narrative, it breaks through, and rings true. This 2:00 minute ad from the Walz-Flanagan campaign is the perfect example.

Keith Ellison for Attorney General

We can imagine a world where everyone can live free, joyful lives, regardless of what they look like, where they came from, or how they worship. We can imagine a democracy that’s by the people, for the people, and is representative of the people. We can imagine a future where the feminine is highly respected, and no one is held back or harmed because of their gender or sexuality.    At TakeAction Minnesota, we believe achieving justice and strengthening our democracy requires us to take on some of the biggest challenges in our society, including systemic racism, unbridled corporate influence, and gender oppression.  

This Election, I’m Voting So All Minnesotans Can Have a Brighter, More Joyful Future

Health care matters.

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) made it so that I could stay on my parents’ health insurance until I turn 26, and it has basically kept me alive this past year. But even with expanded care, there are still thousands of people in this country who cannot access the kind of care they need.

I believe everyone has a right to care for themselves, their families, and communities. But I believe in more than that. I believe that everyone has a right not just to live, but to live in joy. Those are the values that ground me and drive me to the polls each year.

This year, we have the chance to vote for representatives who will work alongside us to build a Minnesota where everyone has the care that they need. I’m hopeful that we have the chance (not a guarantee) to elect Tim Walz and Peggy Flanagan for Governor and Lt. Governor.

 

It’s the moments of togetherness—moments where our joyfulness, hope, and healing were more important than fear tactics and statistics—that have made this election feel different for me.

 

Tim Walz is a veteran and Minnesota school teacher. Peggy Flanagan is a Native organizer, activist, and trailblazer.… Continue reading »

Win the Day: Volume 6

Make More Possible | October 15,2018

Dear Friends,

So many of us live and breathe politics because we know that through politics – and organizing – so much more can be possible for our families and in our state.

We’re continuing to call out the dog-whistle politics we’re seeing this election cycle – including state Sen. Karin Housley’s racist dog whistle comment about Michelle Obama – and we’re glad that groups like CAIR and ISAIAH are connecting the dots between corporate backed GOP campaigns and anti-Muslim campaign attack ads.

For decades, some politicians have used race-baiting and scapegoating in an attempt to divide the political power and interests of working people.

We’re not falling for it. Minnesotans won’t be divided. Together, we can accomplish anything.

In Minnesota, We’re Greater Than Fear

A few days ago, a brand new ad came out from Minnesota’s #GreaterThanFear campaign. We love everything about this message and what this story represents. Politics shouldn’t be about fear, and in Minnesota, we’re stronger together.

To us, #GreaterThanFear also means being fearless in our progressive vision and direction. It means being clear and unapologetic about our values, analysis, and goals, so when it’s time to govern, we know where we stand and what we’re fighting for.… Continue reading »

Win the Day: Volume 5

"Go On With Your Story. We Are All Ears." On Saturday I (Chris) took my daughter to see a show @pfunctionary gallery with @racingmagpie. It’s a mixed media installation by three Lakota artists (all women) featuring 2-D images, sculpture, and recorded interviews with Lakota women.   

2018 People’s Celebration: December 8

… Continue reading »

Win the Day: Volume 4

Make More Possible | October 1, 2018

Dear Friends,

For the last three weeks we’ve been exploring how our political speech can make more possible.  We’ve been lifting up the best examples we can find. And reflecting a bit on how it works.

This last week, though, has been tough, in many ways.  For survivors of sexual assault, first, but it’s been hard for all of us who have listened to their stories and taken them seriously.  It’s been hard to hear and hard, at times, to know what to say. It’s been hard to stay present in the middle of the anger, fear, frustration, and disappointment that so many of us have been feeling every single day.

And it’s been hard to watch some U.S. Senators go through the motions, to play act empathy, to pretend like their minds were open when Dr. Christine Blasey Ford’s testified.

This is the kind of political speech we have been naming and challenging through Win The Day.

It’s worse than lying.  It’s different than bullsh****ng.  It’s in another league than evading, hedging, or threading the needle.  Those are run of the mill.

A number of our U.S. Senators were going through the motions by actually using our democratic process to perform the role of concerned and deliberative public servant.… Continue reading »

Welcome New TakeAction Minnesota Staff!

This is a busy time at TakeAction Minnesota. Our member leaders across Minnesota are connecting people and building power. We’re organizing to win elections. And, if you haven’t read our recent blog series, we’re doing more than that. We’re fighting to win the day.  

Last week, we announced our BOLD new executive director, Elianne Farhat, a long-time organizer leading us in our next chapter. We also brought on board some inspiring people to help us build, organize, lead, and dream together. Meet the newest members of TakeAction Minnesota.  

LyLy Vang Yang, Political Coordinator 

LyLy joined in June 2018 as TakeAction Minnesota’s political coordinator. Prior to TakeAction Minnesota, she was an organizer with Melvin Carter’s campaign for St. Paul Mayor and worked as a policy aide in Mayor Carter’s office, implementing a city-wide $15/hour minimum wage.  

IN HER OWN WORDS: 

I’m excited that here at TakeAction Minnesota, we don’t buy into the dominant narrative of politics. We’re grounded in collectivity and accountability and carry that during and after election season. Elections can be powerful catalysts for involvement and as the political coordinator, it’s important to me to build on the momentum that elections bring.  I’m so ready to do work alongside our member leaders, candidates, and elected officials to help develop a Minnesota where everyone can live a life full of joy.  … Continue reading »

Win the Day: Volume 3

Make More Possible | Sept. 24, 2018

Dear Friend, 

We’re one week closer to Election Day. This week, Win the Day is about creating a fair and inclusive state through our politics. 

Let’s imagine what Minnesota would be like if we decided that in our politics, everyone’s in, and nobody’s out. This simple idea could change everything.

The Trump Administration is a master of othering. Pushing people out of our society, deciding who belongs and who doesn’t. Who is and isn’t worthy.

But he didn’t invent the narratives that some politicians use to divide us by our race or class. He just exploits them.

So, fellow progressives. We need new narratives.

Imagine the revolution that would take place in our politics if we decided everyone’s in, no exception. In our health care system. In our democracy. In our circle of human concern.

This is the big change we’re fighting for. This is how we win the day. 

Here are the stories, people, and ideas we’re excited to share with you this week. 

Change the Story

How one union expanded who’s in for 85 years. 

Defining who’s in and who’s out has real consequences, in law and in culture.  And it’s never expanded without a fight.… Continue reading »

Hey TakeAction Minnesota – Meet Elianne Farhat!

Dear Friends, My name is Elianne Farhat. I’m an organizer, the new executive director at TakeAction Minnesota—and a longtime sustaining member. I grew up in a big, diverse family. My mom is one of 13 kids and grew up in Central Minnesota. Her maternal grandfather moved to North St. Paul from Standing Rock Reservation and paternal grandpa grew up on a farm in Pine County.

Win the Day: Volume 2

Make More Possible | Sept. 17, 2018

Dear friend,

We launched our new political blog called Win the Day last week. Thanks for reading and sharing it.

Every week, we’re highlighting people, stories, and ideas working to #WinTheDay. To us, winning elections isn’t the same as winning the day.  It’s the work of building the core narratives that shape the ways we make meaning together.

It starts with the values that ground us.  It sets us up to imagine a future worth fighting for.

On that note, an important report was released today called Toward a More Caring Minnesota. 

Here’s what stands out: 

• Minnesotans believe in looking out for each other. We value care and fairness, no matter our color. When a flu shot shortage swept the country in 2004, Minnesota had a massive surplus because everyone wanted to make sure the neediest folks got vaccinated first.
• As Minnesotans, we aren’t living up to our values around care. Dog-whistle politics and corporate influence in our State Capitol, from the Freedom Club to the Center for the American Experiment, have led to massive cuts to the care we all need. 
• Political donors and corporate interests are pulling strings in our democracy, and messing with our care. 

… Continue reading »

Win the Day: Volume 1

Welcome to Win the Day, a new weekly political series from TakeAction Minnesota. We're unapologetic progressives. We dream big. Like so many of you, we're hungry to change what’s possible. That's why we're launching Win the Day. To us, winning elections isn't the same as winning the day. Winning the day is the power to change the story. The foundational stories: the ones that shape the the way we think. Who are we as Minnesotans? What are the struggles that connect us? These underlying stories show us what is and isn't possible. It’s an arena of power that, frankly, we don't always fight for.

Busy Voter’s Guide to the Primary Election

Hey there, busy voter!  On August 14th, voters like you will decide who will run to be the next DFL Governor of our state. Many voters are still undecided.  We  know you take your vote seriously and you’re looking for information you can trust.  We also know you're busy.  That's why we created this guide. In addition to sharing why TakeAction Minnesota leaders endorsed Erin Murphy and Erin Maye Quade, we rounded up facts, news articles, videos, and what people are saying about Erin to help YOU make an informed decision.  Don't worry. We got you. 

HELL YES, I’ll be a primary voter!

No matter where we live, Minnesotans are united by our common interests. In Minnesota, and across the country, people-powered campaigns are challenging how elections are done—and who our politics is for.

Week in Action: The Social Media Scoop

This week, we’re sharing a bunch of news and stories that were shared—or unfolded—on social media this week. Some are serious, some are funny. The bigger point of this week’s digest is that social media can be used for good, in our democracy and in our society. All of us have the power to spread joy and knowledge online. If you want to join us, start by taking the HELL YES I’ll be a primary voter pledge today.

Youth in Power: Storm the Polls

When I was growing up, politics was never very present in my life. My parents voted, but no one volunteered. No one I knew worked in politics, or even talked much about the news. I learned politics was a passive process for most folks; it simply didn’t look that easy to get involved.

The Type of Governor We Need

Instead, she asked me how my health is doing, if I’m getting the care I need, and if I’m taking care of myself. This is the type of governor we need. Someone who is clear that their own self-interest is dependent on the healing of their community.

Week in Action: What is preemption, and how can it impact Minnesota?

 

In case you missed it, this is from last Friday’s Week in Action email:

This week, we wanted to share a roundup of news stories about ‘statewide preemption.’ Across the country, local elected officials and community members are making progress on issues that help workers, LGTBQ folks, the environment, New Americans, small businesses, family farmers, and, well frankly, all of us.

In recent years, corporate interest groups started changing the rules of our democracy to block (or ‘preempt’) improvements in local laws. In cities like Birmingham, AL minimum wage workers won a pay increase, then had it cut back by the power of big business at their state capitol. Preemption is part of a national strategy to block local progress and it’s wrong.  

Why are we sharing this? Because corporate special interests are back at the capitol trying to tell local communities what they can and can’t do.

Here’s what we’re reading on preemption:

1. Fundamentals of Preemption

This article provides a grounding in terms. What is preemption? Check out the short summaries.

2. City Power in Minnesota

In Minnesota, Cities have the option to adopt a ‘Home Rule Charter’ which grants them more power over themselves. Check it out.… Continue reading »

Sexual Harassment: You’re not as protected as you think you are.

*Disclaimer, I am not a lawyer. Nothing here is or should be construed as legal advice.

When I was 15, I worked at a hardware store where my coworkers were mostly older men. A few weeks into my time there, one of them, a guy in his 70’s, started to spend a lot of time standing behind me. Every once in a while, I would feel his hand brush against my butt.

He was touching my butt. At work. He was 48 years older than me and I was a minor. I wouldn’t have been able to consent to it even if he had asked. Sounds like a crime, right?

Turns out, it’s not.

Because of the #MeToo and #TimesUp movements and pushback against sexual harassment in our own state Legislature, we’re finally talking about the harassment a lot of people, especially women and particularly Women of Color and LGBTQ people, experience regularly at work.

Part of the criticism against the #MeToo movement is that people should be convicted in a court of law, not the court of public opinion. Unfortunately, even with very clear proof, the courts fall short.

You may have seen in the news recently that there’s a specific exception for butt-grabbing in Minnesota law.… Continue reading »