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Join us on March 15: Bring Back the Voices of 47,000 Minnesotans

47000-53The Minnesota Second Chance Coalition is holding the Second Chance Day on the Hill, annual rally on March 15th, at 10:00 am, at Christ Lutheran Church on Capitol Hill.  Join Leaders from the Justice 4 All Program as we rally with our allies and show state lawmakers how important justice reform is to Minnesota. The following statement is from the Co-Chair of the Second Chance Coalition, Josh Esmay.

My name is Josh Esmay; I am the Director of Public Policy and Advocacy at the Council on Crime and Justice, and co-chair of the Second Chance Coalition.

The issue at the heart of the Coalition’s mission- the collateral consequences of criminal records- is one of the most important problems facing our society.  In the last 30 years we’ve seen a massive increase in the scope of our criminal justice system.  As a result, in Minnesota alone, today an estimated 1 in 4 people have a criminal record.  And now, changes in technology have made people’s records incredibly easy to access, causing stigma to permeate nearly every aspect of one’s life, from employment, to housing, to civil engagement and personal relationships. As an attorney, practicing both in the public defender system and at Council on Crime and Justice, I’ve had the privilege of working with many good people whose lives have been devastated by their involvement in the criminal justice system. … Continue reading »

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Get out to caucus!

BE PART OF THE PRECINCT CAUCUSES AND CONVENTIONS.

WE’LL BE THERE AND WE WANT YOU TO JOIN US. WHY? 

We participate in the party process, even when we operate as an independent political alignment, because we believe that in order to build this statewide alignment and political power – we need to support our candidates on their path toward winning elections. To do this, we fill the rooms with our progressive voices. We support and uphold our progressive champions. We make sure our communities are led by people who look like us and understand our needs.

Without engaging in the process it will continue to be closed, confusing, and power will be isolated – held by a precious few who know the rules. We need to be informed and we need to act powerfully by acting together.

NOW LET’S GET TO IT, IT’S CAUCUS TIME

Precinct Caucuses: Tuesday, March 1st from 6:30 – 8:00PM. Find your location here!

  1. Support TakeAction endorsed and/or your local candidates by becoming a delegate – March 1st is the night to ensure you are chosen.
  2. Make your voice heard within the party by carrying a resolution – this lifts up the issues most important to us and building our movement.
… Continue reading »
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Coalition opposes lease of Appleton prison

A coalition of Minnesota-based community, faith, labor and civil rights organizations is opposing the public lease of the Prairie Correctional Facility in Appleton, owned by Corrections Corporation of America, a private prison corporation.

The coalition, led by ISAIAH, a faith-based organization of 100 congregations across Minnesota, said that the company has a track record of cutting corners for the sake of profit.

The city of Appleton and Swift County are urging the state to lease the Prairie Correctional Facility to house inmates from Minnesota. Supporters of the lease proposal argue that it resolves issues raised by those who oppose private prison ownership since the state would staff and operate the facility.

Lars Negstad, with ISAIAH, said the organization opposes the lease because it would provide $6 million to possibly $8 million a year to Corrections Corporation of America, benefiting the private corporation and its overall operations.

He said the Appleton economy experienced a bubble that burst when the prison closed.

Leasing the prison risks creating a second economic bubble. It’s not a sustainable economic model for the community, Negstad said.

The group also opposes the state’s purchase of the facility. It would add to the state’s prison bed capacity and work against efforts to reduce the number of people incarcerated in the state.… Continue reading »

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A Way Home

At TakeAction Minnesota’s Justice 4 All Program, I have found a home. Since being convicted of a felony more than a decade ago, I have long felt like an orphan to American society. And like many orphans, I ran away. I may not have always been conscious of it, but I was running. By running, I was postponing my truth. Joining the fight as the new Justice 4 All Organizer has allowed me to give my truth a makeover.

Trying to overcome the stain of your criminal background is like being sequestered in a deep sea submarine, with no clear idea of when you’ll resurface. Or, it’s as if you’re climbing a mountain, and you’re clever enough to find the least treacherous path to the top, only to discover that your entry to the top is not granted, because you left something at the bottom of the mountain. You’re then told that you must go back down the mountain, pick up your criminal record, and climb back up the most difficult route-the nearly impossible route-and if you do that, only then will you barely be considered being let all the way to the top. Now, it is very likely that, we, the formerly incarcerated, left with no other choice, will assess that alternative plan and deem it unworthy, that there is little to no opportunity or incentive to reroute and climb the mountain all over again.… Continue reading »

Connecting Our Stories — Emily

Emily Terrell is a Leader with the Justice 4 All Program at TakeAction Minnesota. As a
photographer she aims to document the progressive movement and as a counselor she RTVpic2works with young women in the Juvenile Justice System leading restorative practices. See her work on display this Wednesday, Feb 17th at an event sponsored by the MPLS NAACP. 

I believe that stories are powerful. Spending time with people, hearing their stories, and collectively finding meaning within them is what I do, and it is my life’s work.

It is why I was excited to partner with Justice 4 All on the Restore the Vote project. Because there are 47,000 stories in Minnesota that are not being heard by our body politic. 47,000 faces, names, histories, experiences, hurts, successes and perspectives that are excluded from the decision-making process.

Through the Restore the Vote project, I wanted to capture some of those faces, some of those perspectives, and make sure that the stories were told, even if they can’t do it at the ballot box, yet.

Justice 4 All and their community partners engaged the state of Minnesota in a rigorous campaign last session. I was invited to the Restore the Vote Panel and Exhibit hosted by the Minneapolis NAACP to share photography that highlights the stories of real people, people who are not able to have a voice in their democracy and who’re still fighting to change this, with the support of many allies, because we still haven’t won.… Continue reading »

The People’s Congress

Be part of the largest grassroots organizing event of the year: the People’s Congress. This special event will take place on Saturday, December 12, 2015 from 11 AM – 5 PM at the Minneapolis Convention Center.

Join people power organizations across our state, who are part of Minnesotans for a Fair Economy, to establish a collective vision for social, racial and economic justice to:

– Dismantle systems of racial discrimination and oppression

– Reclaim our democracy

– Reclaim our economy

– Reclaim our government

– Build the power of workers and workers’ organizations

Register here.… Continue reading »

Nicole: Fighting for #RestoreTheVoteMN

My name is Nicole, and I’m a working mother of two who wants the best for my family and all others who’ve been impacted by the criminal justice system. That’s why I decided to connect with the Justice For All Program at TakeAction as soon as I found out about it.

On Election Day, I was invited to participate in the #RestoreTheVoteMn Twitter storm led Nicoleby Jason Sole. The goal was to help raise awareness of disenfranchisement laws in Minnesota. As someone who has been through the justice system, I was more than happy to join forces with others like myself and community advocates who all fully understand the scope of this problem.

Currently in Minnesota, there are at least 47,000 men and women who are denied the right to vote, even after completing their time in prison. That’s 47,000 of our fellow Minnesotans who remain voiceless during our democratic process. I strongly believe that disenfranchisement laws in this state are wrong and serve no purpose other than the continued oppression of a sect of people who are told to rehabilitate themselves yet, continue to face obstacles at every turn.

I’m reminded of this every day, as I work hard to live with dignity alongside my family.… Continue reading »

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Vision Duluth Launches!

For the last year we’ve been working hard at TakeAction and with other organizations to put together a shared vision for Duluth rooted in equity and democracy. Personally, I’ve participated in hundreds of conversations with people who’s voices are too often invisible and unheard. And I am so inspired by what has come out of these conversations and how it has created a clear path for our work at TakeAction.  After hearing from hundreds of people, and sharing with thousands more, we are finally ready to bring this vision to the larger community. On October 19th we’re launching Vision Duluth!

What is Vision Duluth?

It began as nine organizations thinking together about how to strengthen our capacity to move forward policies that advance equity across our city. It moved into hundreds of VisionDuluthLogoconversations across our city where people began to imagine what a new vision for Duluth could be. It’s about working together, across organizations and with individuals, to address disparities by moving equitable solutions at a city level. Vision Duluth is rooted in the belief that together we are stronger, solutions must be shaped by those living experiences of injustice, and that we do so by being in deep, accountable, and transformative relationships with our elected officials.… Continue reading »

GET OUT THE VOTE IN DULUTH!

Together, we’ve built a bold vision for our city. One where Duluth leads the state in ensuring that no parent has to choose between earning a paycheck and caring for a loved one. Where we protect the green space that makes Duluth unique. Where we invest in every corner of the city, not just some.

Now we need to make sure that we elect candidates who will be champions for this vision to the City Council and the Mayor’s office — and the best way to do that is by getting out and talking to Duluthians across the city.  Join us!

We will have snacks & child care available.  Please let us know if you’d like to attend and have transportation needs.… Continue reading »

GET OUT THE VOTE IN DULUTH!

Together, we’ve built a bold vision for our city. One where Duluth leads the state in ensuring that no parent has to choose between earning a paycheck and caring for a loved one. Where we protect the green space that makes Duluth unique. Where we invest in every corner of the city, not just some.

Now we need to make sure that we elect candidates who will be champions for this vision to the City Council and the Mayor’s office — and the best way to do that is by getting out and talking to Duluthians across the city.  Join us!

We will have snacks & child care available.  Please let us know if you’d like to attend and have transportation needs.… Continue reading »

Clinton pulls in big dollars in Minnesota, but state’s progressives are waiting to be convinced

Dan McGrath and his organization’s people are the shoe leather and the passion that could carry Hillary Clinton to victory here.

McGrath’s progressive activist group, TakeAction Minnesota, has more than 60,000 e-mail addresses and 15,000 dues-paying members from every congressional district in the state. His 35-person team aggressively walked precincts four years ago and is widely credited for the sound defeat of of the photo ID amendment that was on the state’s ballot in 2012.

But as Clinton prepares to address a summer meeting of the Democratic National Committee in Minneapolis on Friday, along with presidential hopefuls Bernie Sanders, Martin O’Malley and others, it becomes clear she has some work to do — even in a state that hasn’t gone for a Republican presidential candidate since Richard Nixon in 1972.

Ask McGrath what he thinks of the candidate many once assumed would become the nominee and his mouth turns down.

“The Democrats are letting the opportunity slip through their fingers,” said McGrath, who, despite his deep well of man-on-the-street resources, has not been asked by any presidential candidate for support. “As Donald Trump is offending most of America every day, the Democrats are not really providing a very compelling inclusive alternative vision.… Continue reading »

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Watch Party for the White House Conference on Aging

On July 13th, the White House will host the national White House Conference on Aging. This event only happens every ten years and historically has led to some of the most significant retirement security programs and policies in the country, including Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, the Older Americans Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Please join TakeAction’s Senior Caucus — a group of older Minnesotans who recognize how much politics impacts how we care for each other across generations — for a  watch party on Monday, July 13th at 8:30am. We’ll gather for breakfast treats and watch part of the conference via live stream starting at 9am. It will include remarks by President Obama and author of the “Age of Dignity” and Caring Across Generations co-executive director Ai-jen Poo.

If you can’t join us in person, you can watch the event by following this link: https://www.whitehouse.gov/live… Continue reading »

Power in Organizing Training Series: Building Powerful Relationships

This summer, along with partner organizations, we are working to bring together a series of trainings that will build your public leadership and create space to discuss and collectively combat systems of injustice. Trainings will happen one Saturday and one Tuesday a month.

 At all trainings you will gain concrete community organizing skills and a deeper understanding of “politics” in Minnesota/US. Each training will focus on different topic, but all the trainings are based in the reality that if we do not come together and build collective power to address the structural oppressions we face, we will remain hopeless. We’ll be focusing on Building Powerful Relationships in this training. 

Food and childcare available for all those that register. If you have questions, please email kandacem@takeactionminnesota.org… Continue reading »

Power in Organizing Training Series: Structural Oppression

This summer, along with partner organizations, we are working to bring together a series of trainings that will build your public leadership and create space to discuss and collectively combat systems of injustice. Trainings will happen one Saturday and one Tuesday a month.

At all trainings you will gain concrete community organizing skills and a deeper understanding of “politics” in Minnesota/US. Each training will focus on different topic, but all the trainings are based in the reality that if we do not come together and build collective power to address the structural oppressions we face, we will remain hopeless. We’ll be focusing on Structural Oppression in this training.

Food and childcare available for all those that register. If you have questions, please email kandacem@takeactionminnesota.org… Continue reading »

Taking Stock of Session

We can change who benefits in our economy when we change who decides in our democracy.  It is because we believe in this simple idea that we as members of TakeAction Minnesota spend so much time, attention and energy at the State Capitol during legislative session.

Restore the voteBecause we want a state where all of us can thrive, prosper and live life to the fullest, TakeAction Minnesota and our member organizations work on a number of issues that are the essence of what we all need to be whole people, fully alive.  Each of us needs health care we can depend on and work that is dignified.  We need a voice in the decisions that affect us and a criminal justice system that is just that – just – for all people regardless of the color of our skin or class.  We need quality schools, clean water, and healthy food.

Contrary to what we read in the paper or see on TV, there is more to what happens at the legislature than what Republicans and Democrats say about each other.  Legislative session is where the people’s interests – our interests – collide with those of powerful corporations and wealthy elites. Since legislative session wrapped up last week, now is a good time to take stock of how we – the people – fared in the decisions that our elected leaders made.… Continue reading »

We are in this together

Being bold and ambitious means not going it alone. In order to bring into existence a more just and compassionate community we need strong, trusted partnerships. In Duluth we work closely with Chum, who not only shares a similar vision for what’s possible but is charting a shared course on how to get there together. It means they’re in the fight with us day in and day out, on good days and bad. Chum and TakeAction have come together on issues that align both organizations, whether it’s restoring the right to vote for 47,000 Minnesotans or ensuring workers in St. Louis County can have access to earned sick and safe time.

But beyond that we are building. We are weaving our people together creating a shared story. A story that says more is possible when we work together. This relationship continues to deepen each time we come to the table as equal partners committed to the same change in the world. What we are doing– a training together, a press conference, meetings with elected officials or making copies for  one another when the printer breaks. Regardless the activity, we are working together to make more possible. Below is a blog post written by Cara Lundberg, an intern at Chum as she finishes her last week with Chum.… Continue reading »

47,000 Voices Heard: Rally at the Capitol for the Restoration of Voting Rights

Right now, 47,000 Minnesotans are denied the right to vote. Parents who can’t vote for the candidates on their children’s school board. Neighbors who can’t control who represents their interests on city council and have no control over important mayoral and government races. Our family members that have moved forward, while the system is doing what it does best: holding folks back.

A bill to change that has strong bipartisan support at the Capitol, but has stalled in the State House. It’s time to bring the noise to our legislators’ doors.

Join us at the Capitol on April 16th, 2015 as we rally to make 47,000 voices heard. Time to restore the vote!… Continue reading »

5 Scary Things That Happen When You Don’t Vote…

On this Halloween, only four days away from a major election, there are a few things I am pretty darn scared for in our state if every eligible voter in our state DOESN’T get out to the polls by 8pm on November 4th.

Here they are:

1. We will continue to have the worst-in-the-nation voting gap between voters of color and white voters. We will not hear the voices, demands, and needs from people of color. Our votes = our representation. No vote. No representation.

For my kids

2. More of us losing our voting rights. Right now, people living in our community who have served their time but are still on probation/parole do not have the right to vote. If we don’t vote, that will just be the beginning of silencing as many voices in our community as possible.

3. Our kids’ future. Our votes determine what kind of laws and policies we are able to create to make our lives and our future better. Future generations are relying on me and you to vote for them.

4. Our countries prisons have become something someone can profit on. The same people who build those prisons, locking people in our community up and out, are the same ones who rely on progressives like me and you to NOT vote, so they can build more prisons and profit more off of our communities.… Continue reading »

Expand the Vote Door Knock

Let’s make sure our community’s voices are heard!  The lives of people of color getting better depends on US casting ballots to make sure our concerns are priorities for the people we elect.  We can’t wait to EXPAND THE VOTE and build community power with you.

Join us by clicking here!

Questions or comments?  Contact Kandace Montgomery, Justice 4 All Organizer (Northside Based). kandace@takeactionminnesota.org, 207-459-6320… Continue reading »

Expand the Vote Door Knock

Let’s make sure our community’s voices are heard!  The lives of people of color getting better depends on US casting ballots to make sure our concerns are priorities for the people we elect.  We can’t wait to EXPAND THE VOTE and build community power with you.

Join us by clicking here!

Questions or comments?  Contact Kandace Montgomery, Justice 4 All Organizer (Northside Based). kandace@takeactionminnesota.org, 207-459-6320… Continue reading »

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