TakeAction Minnesota

Blog Archives

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 »

Healthcare Text Bank

Join us to text voters in the South Metro about supporting Tim Walz and Peggy Flanagan. We will be talking to members in the community, sharing our healthcare stories and talking about why Tim and Peggy are the right choice for creating a strong Minnesota centering healthcare. There’s no need to have any experience text banking. We will be doing a short training to provide you with all the tools you need.… 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 »

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.

Together We Win: Election Actions 2018

All across the state, TakeAction Minnesota members and supporters are taking action to elect our endorsed candidates, make our voices heard, and build a Minnesota where our values thrive. Find our full calendar of phone banks, text banks, and door knocks here and sign up to come along. 

Contact our team if you have questions:

  • Events led by the Women of Color Table: Arique@takeactionminnesota.org
  • Too far from an office but still want to take action: Jessica@takeactionminnesota.org
  • Endorsements: LyLy@takeactionminnesota.org
  • St. Cloud: Britton@takeactionminnesota.org
  • Duluth: Shawnu@takeactionminnesota.org
  • General Questions: Sabrina@takeactionminnesota.org
… Continue reading »

TakeAction Minnesota Announces Latest Slate of Endorsed Candidates

Contact: Kenza Hadj-Moussa, 612-386-9556

NEWS RELEASE

St. Paul, MN—TakeAction Minnesota is an independent political organization working to elect progressive champions fighting to put people first in our democracy. 

Today, TakeAction Minnesota announced its latest endorsed candidates for Minnesota House and local offices. The slate includes progressive incumbents and bold leaders stepping up during this critical election season.

“We’re fighting for a democracy that puts people first, not special interests that only serve the wealthy & powerful few,” said Dan McGrath, executive director of TakeAction Minnesota. “We’re proud to endorse seasoned and new leaders for state and local office who have moral clarity and are in this fight with us.”

TakeAction Minnesota endorsed progressive incumbents in the Minnesota House, including:

  • Jennifer Schultz-7A
  • Liz Olson-7B
  • Erin Koegel-37A
  • Mary Kunesh-Podein-41B
  • Mike Freiberg- 45B
  • Sandy Masin-51A
  • Frank Hornstein-61A
  • Jim Davnie-63A

TakeAction Minnesota members also endorsed progressive candidates for the Minnesota House:

  • Cheniqua Johnson-22B
  • Aric Putnam-14A
  • DanWolgamott-14B
  • Hunter Cantrell-56A
  • Kelly Moller-42A
  • Jeff Brand-19A

At the local level, Mark Haase, candidate for Hennepin County Attorney, Nikki Villavicencio-Tollison, candidate for Maplewood City Council, and Frank Jewell, candidate for St. Louis County Commissioner received TakeAction Minnesota’s endorsement.

“This political season feels different,” McGrath stated. “More women and women of color are running to win.… Continue reading »

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Statewide Voter Blitz

All across the state, we are taking action to fight for our values this Primary Election. Whether you are closest to our St. Cloud, Duluth, or St. Paul office, or are miles away from any of them, there are actions that you can take this week to build progressive power and bring the Politics of Joy to Minnesotans!

Join us to: Phone bank! Door knock! Text bank! You can even join a text bank from your home.

Training and support always provided. Check our list of statewide actions here!

Contact Person by Site:
Duluth, Ashley Northey (ashleyN@takeactionminnesota.org)
St. Cloud, Britton Mikkelsen (britton@takeactionminnesota.org)
Text from Home, Jess English Teitelmen (jessica@takactionminnesota.org)
Twin Cities, LyLy Vang-Yang (LyLy@takeactionminnesota.org)… Continue reading »

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. 

J4A & WOC Text/Phone Bank

At TakeAction Minnesota, we center our values in every work that we do. We strip away the walls of racism, gender oppression, and classism that’s always trapped us since young. We reclaim our identity by building a politics where shared values are the building blocks of our government.

We invite YOU to take action with us in the August 14 Primary Elections! TakeAction Minnesota has endorsed candidates statewide who care deeply about centering criminal justice reform and women of color in their work. This year is our opportunity to ensure that our government reflects our deepest values as a community, and that means we need to get out the vote for August 14 to make sure our candidates lead in their race!

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!… Continue reading »

J4A & WOC Door Knock

At TakeAction Minnesota, we center our values in every work that we do. We strip away the walls of racism, gender oppression, and classism that’s always trapped us since young. We reclaim our identity by building a politics where shared values are the building blocks of our government.

We invite YOU to take action with us in the August 14 Primary Elections! TakeAction Minnesota has endorsed candidates statewide who care deeply about centering criminal justice reform and women of color in their work. This year is our opportunity to ensure that our government reflects our deepest values as a community, and that means we need to get out the vote for August 14 to make sure our candidates lead in their race!

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!… Continue reading »

J4A & WOC Door Knock

At TakeAction Minnesota, we center our values in every work that we do. We strip away the walls of racism, gender oppression, and classism that’s always trapped us since young. We reclaim our identity by building a politics where shared values are the building blocks of our government.

We invite YOU to take action with us in the August 14 Primary Elections! TakeAction Minnesota has endorsed candidates statewide who care deeply about centering criminal justice reform and women of color in their work. This year is our opportunity to ensure that our government reflects our deepest values as a community, and that means we need to get out the vote for August 14 to make sure our candidates lead in their race!

 

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!… Continue reading »

J4A & WOC Text/Phone Bank

At TakeAction Minnesota, we center our values in every work that we do. We strip away the walls of racism, gender oppression, and classism that’s always trapped us since young. We reclaim our identity by building a politics where shared values are the building blocks of our government.

We invite YOU to take action with us in the August 14 Primary Elections! TakeAction Minnesota has endorsed candidates statewide who care deeply about centering criminal justice reform and women of color in their work. This year is our opportunity to ensure that our government reflects our deepest values as a community, and that means we need to get out the vote for August 14 to make sure our candidates lead in their race!

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!… Continue reading »

J4A & WOC Door Knock

At TakeAction Minnesota, we center our values in every work that we do. We strip away the walls of racism, gender oppression, and classism that’s always trapped us since young. We reclaim our identity by building a politics where shared values are the building blocks of our government.

We invite YOU to take action with us in the August 14 Primary Elections! TakeAction Minnesota has endorsed candidates statewide who care deeply about centering criminal justice reform and women of color in their work. This year is our opportunity to ensure that our government reflects our deepest values as a community, and that means we need to get out the vote for August 14 to make sure our candidates lead in their race!

 

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!… Continue reading »

Harassment allegations against ex-Nolan staffer surface in governor’s race

Several liberal groups are calling on U.S. Rep. Rick Nolan, a Democratic candidate for lieutenant governor, to leave the governor’s race after reports of sexual harassment allegations about an ex-staffer in his office.

The allegations, reported in MinnPost on Thursday, center around former staffer Jim Swiderski, who several women said grabbed and harassed them in Nolan’s office and was allowed to leave in 2015 instead of face disciplinary actions. In 2016, Swiderski was briefly hired back as a contractor on Nolan’s re-election bid.

[…]

TakeAction Minnesota, which is actively supporting Murphy’s campaign for governor, held a press conference Friday calling on Nolan to leave the race.

“He is choosing to do nothing, he chose to do nothing when women came to him in his office. Congressman Nolan is making the wrong choice and he’s the wrong choice for Minnesota,” Elianne Farhat, program director with TakeAction, said. “It’s time for him to step down. State law doesn’t allow Nolan to be removed from the ballot at this point in the race, Farhat said, but Swanson can “clearly communicate” the path forward for her ticket.

[…]

Read more. … Continue reading »

Swanson Refuses To Kick Nolan Off Gubernatorial Ticket

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) — DFL gubernatorial candidate Lori Swanson breaks her silence amidst controversy surrounding her running mate.

In an anonymously-sourced article, MinnPost criticized how Congressman Rick Nolan handled a staffer accused of sexual harassment. In response, groups called for Swanson to address it and for her to drop Nolan.

“This is not a confusing moment, the choice is very clear,” said TakeAction Minnesota’s Eliane Farhat. “Times up.”

Watch here.… Continue reading »

Minnesotans call for responsible leadership and political courage

July 20, 2018

Contact: Kenza Hadj-Moussa, Communications Director, TakeAction Minnesota 612-386-9556

NEWS RELEASE

It’s time to end the silence and excuses that perpetuate sexual harassment in our government—Rep. Nolan needs to step down as Lori Swanson’s running mate

St. Paul—In the last year, women have broken the culture of silence that perpetuates sexual harassment and assault in the workplace. Yesterday, MinnPost released another in-depth article about sexual harassment allegations in Minnesota politics.

This time, it was brought forward by former staffers and interns in Congressman Rick Nolan’s office. Congressman Nolan is the running mate of gubernatorial candidate Lori Swanson.

“To the women who came forward: we hear you and we believe you. No more excuses,” said Elianne Farhat, program director at TakeAction Minnesota. “This is bigger than one person. It’s is about a larger movement ending the culture of sexual harassment. It’s 2018. There’s nothing confusing about this.”

Allegations made in the article describe a longstanding culture of sexual harassment in Rep. Nolan’s office by Jim Swiderski, a high level staff member and campaign staffer.

The detailed article describes repeated inaction and perpetuation of an office culture permitting sexual harassment by senior staff.

That a known sexual harasser was hired onto Rick Nolan’s campaign team shows there was wonton disregard for these serious and unacceptable actions.… Continue reading »

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TakeAction Minnesota Calls for Rep. Nolan to Step Down Immediately as Lori Swanson’s Running Mate

Contact: Kenza Hadj-Moussa, 612-386-9556

St. Paul—In the last year, women have broken the culture of silence that perpetuates sexual harassment and assault in the workplace. Today, MinnPost released another in-depth article about sexual harassment allegations in Minnesota politics.

This time, it was brought forward by former staffers and interns in Congressman Rick Nolan’s office. Congressman Nolan is the running mate of gubernatorial candidate Lori Swanson.

Allegations made in the article describe a longstanding culture of sexual harassment in Rep. Nolan’s office by Jim Swiderski, a high level staff member and campaign staffer. The detailed article describes repeated inaction and perpetuation of an office culture permitting sexual harassment by senior staff.

Furthermore, the fact that a known sexual harasser was hired onto Rick Nolan’s campaign team proves that there was wonton disregard for these serious and unacceptable actions.

From the MinnPost article:

“In an audio recording of Nolan that a former staffer sent to MinnPost, the congressman lamented white-collar workplace norms around gender. “A woman’s got every right to be as fragile as she wants, but I’m telling you, women in the factories are a lot tougher,” he said during a meeting with staff in his office. “My daughter works in construction, and she deals with it all the time, and she knows when to tell these guys to buzz off.… Continue reading »

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TakeAction Minnesota Statement on Rep. Jason Lewis Comments

Contact: Kenza Hadj-Moussa, 612-386-9556

 

News Statement

St. Paul—Today, it was revealed that Rep. Jason Lewis made comments on his radio show that he was upset that you can’t call women ‘sluts’ anymore, among other disparaging remarks against women. TakeAction Minnesota released the following statement:

“When someone shows you who they are the first time—believe them. Rep. Lewis has been clear that he doesn’t share our values as Minnesotans. After voting to take away health care from Minnesotans to pay for tax breaks for the powerful few, his disparaging remarks against women are further proof that Rep. Lewis is wrong for our state. There’s is no room for sexist, misogynistic behavior in 2018. Time’s up.”

###… Continue reading »

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Phonebank Blitz to the Primary

Join TakeAction Minnesota staff, leaders, and members to reach out to the thousands of Minnesotans who share our values and get them ready for the Aug. 14th primary! We’ll be posting up at the Minnesota Nurses Association office to check in with our statewide network of Minnesotans over the phones. Training, support, and snacks provided through out. It’s going to be great!

Please note: The Friday 1pm-5pm shift is a TEXTING bank, not a phone bank and will be held at the St. Paul TakeAction Minnesota office (705 Raymond Ave., St. Paul).

Click here to see all the shifts and sign up!… Continue reading »

TakeAction Minnesota Statement on Erin Murphy’s Nation-Leading Health Care Vision for Minnesota

Contact: Kenza Hadj-Moussa, 612-386-9556

STATEMENT

TakeAction Minnesota Statement on Erin Murphy’s Nation-Leading Health Care Vision for Minnesota

St. Paul, MN— Over 25 years ago, a bipartisan group of lawmakers came together to create MinnesotaCare, quality, affordable public health insurance program that a limited number of Minnesotans are eligible for.

Today, Erin Murphy, DFL-endorsed candidate for Governor, released her proposal to bring Minnesotans together once again around a leading-edge health care vision.

TakeAction Minnesota released the following statement:

“As Minnesotans, we strive to care for each other and our families. Erin Murphy is a nurse running to be Governor of Minnesota, and nurses don’t walk away from people,” said Elianne Farhat, program director of TakeAction Minnesota. “Erin Murphy cares about people first, not politics—that’s why she’ll win in November. She listens, asks questions, and has the courage to fight for what’s right for Minnesotans, no exceptions. We support Medicare for All, and are ready for Erin Murphy to win with Erin Murphy in November.”

###

TakeAction Minnesota is a statewide, independent, multiracial people’s organization working to advance democracy and equity through organizing, political action, and campaigns. The organization has offices in St. Paul, Duluth, and St. Cloud.

www.takeactionminnesota.org

 … Continue reading »

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TakeAction Minnesota Endorses Ilhan Omar, Keith Ellison, and Cindy Yang

Contact: Kenza Hadj-Moussa, 612-386-9556 

NEWS RELEASE 

 

Organizers urge Minnesotans to vote early for progressive champions

St. Paul, MN— TakeAction Minnesota is one of the state’s largest independent, multiracial political organizations. Today,

TakeAction Minnesota announced its members endorsed Ilhan Omar for U.S. House of Representatives 5th District, Keith Ellison for Attorney General, and Cindy Yang for Minnesota House 40B.

The Board of Directors ratified the endorsement recommendation made by TakeAction Minnesota members on Monday night.

“We’ve never seen our members so hopeful or fired up for primary races,” said Elianne Farhat, program director of TakeAction Minnesota. “We believe this election isn’t just about candidates. It’s about who we are as Minnesotans and winning on our progressive values. We have bold candidates running who share our values and will fight with us for our brightest future. We’re hustling nonstop.”

Ilhan, Keith, and Cindy join TakeAction Minnesota’s list of endorsed candidates which includes Erin Murphy and Erin Maye Quade for Governor and Lt. Governor, Angela Connely for Hennepin County Commissioner District 4, and Mitra Jalali Nelson for St. Paul City Council Ward 4. Organizers are encouraging Minnesotans to vote early.

### 

TakeAction Minnesota is a statewide, independent, multiracial people’s organization working to advance democracy and equity through organizing, political action, and campaigns. The organization has offices in St.… Continue reading »

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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.

2018 Endorsements

The goal of TakeAction Minnesota’s political program is to build the political power required to advance a bold agenda shared by our individual and organizational members grounded in our progressive vision for Minnesota.

We see issues, elections, and community organizing as three legs of the same stool. We recognize we are most powerful when we work in coalition with others. We reject the false choice between winning elections or standing up for what we believe. We can and do pursue both of these objectives simultaneously. Building independent, progressive political power is an integrated part of all of our work.

TakeAction Minnesota candidate endorsement criteria includes:

✓  Will this candidate be a bold leader on our progressive vision for Minnesota? Does their life experience illustrate bold leadership on our vision?
✓  Does this candidate have a plan to build power by organizing people and organizing money?
✓  Is this candidate ready to co-govern with the progressive movement to implement our 
shared vision?
✓  Would you (a TakeAction Minnesota leader) be excited about supporting this candidate with your time and money?… Continue reading »

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#FamiliesBelongTogether Minnesota Day of Action

Donald Trump and his administration are cruelly separating children from their families. But we won’t allow it to continue. On June 30, we’re rallying in Washington, D.C., and around the country to tell Donald Trump and his administration to stop separating kids from their parents!

RSVP Today

When: Saturday, June 30 at 2 p.m. (local time)

Where: Meet Outside the Minneapolis Convention Center

 … Continue reading »

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