Win the Day: Volume 10 (The Day After)

Posted November 7, 2018

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.

Bold & Visionary change in Duluth

Posted September 16, 2015

This year we had the awesome opportunity to talk with thousands of Duluthians about their vision for Duluth’s future. We collaborated with many organizations representing the diverse people of our communities to develop a shared vision for our city – AICHO, CHUM, PAVSA, SOAR Career Solutions, YWCA, Northeast Area Labor Council, Community Action Duluth and Education Minnesota.

What came of this is resounding shared interest in jobs that pay living wages with benefits like earned sick and safe time so people aren’t forced to choose between caring for a loved one and earning a paycheck. Residents wanting resources and consideration of needs to be spread across the city, increased green space, free youth activities & racial justice.

We have the unique ability at TakeAction to talk about these issues and more as we engage with voters in our community.  We want to see bold and visionary change! The kind of change that happens when people – like our endorsed candidates who share our vision and the vision of so many Duluthians – are elected to office.  Our endorsed candidates for November are:  Gary Anderson (District 2); Em Westerlund (District 3); Joel Sipress (District 4); Janet Kennedy (District 5); Elissa Hansen & Noah Hobbs (At-Large); and Emily Larson for Mayor!… Continue reading »

Welcome Shawnu!

Posted March 18, 2015

I come to TakeAction as the Women and the Economy Organizer in Duluth from the YWCA of Duluth where I actively worked to eliminate racism and empower women.  Although not an organizer in title until now, social justice has been a proponent of my life since I was young.

I grew up in a small town and discrimination toward Native Americans was present everywhere, especially in the school system. Coming from a predominantly Native family I felt first-hand how awful oppression is and how public systems work to perpetuate that oppression.  As a woman I know all too well the struggles faced in the workplace and educational systems. I’m passionate about energizing and engaging the community in work that fuels change and creates equity for everyone.

For me the most exciting part of my work at TakeAction is being part of creating a vision for Duluth through connecting with organizational partners & cohorts, community members & leaders, public officials and local businesses.  Growing and building a sense of true community in our towns and cities will help us address social justice issues.

Though my focus in organizing is around issues for working women and their families, I think that you cannot truly address anything in solidarity. … Continue reading »

We can do better!

Posted February 17, 2015

I happen to think Northern Minnesota is pretty darn great. We have big lakes, nice trails, and good people. Yet, we aren’t perfect.

In fact, in Southern St. Louis County less than half of workers can earn paid sick time — the worst percentage in the state according to a recent study conducted by the Institute for Women’s Policy Research. That’s why when the campaign to pass earned sick and safe time throughout Minnesota launched last week, they came to Duluth to do it.

We were proud to stand with the Minnesota Benefits campaign as it kicked off with labor leaders, legislators, community organizations, small business owners and people who know what it’s like to choose between caring for their family and a pay check.

I believe that by working together, Northern Minnesota, can and will do better.

 

 … Continue reading »

Terry VanDerPol, Minnesota Needs A Fair Economy Where The Richest Pay Their Fair Share!

Posted June 9, 2011

My name is Terry VanDerPol. I farm in the western part of the state in the Minnesota River Valley outside of Granite Falls. I raise cattle and I’m a member of Land Stewardship Project.

I am here to say that we can have a society that provides healthcare for all, quality education for all, healthy land, clean water, nutritious food for all. We can have profitable family farms and robust rural communities and cities. But we’ll never get there if the corporations, the HMOs and the rich don’t pay their fair share.

Family farmers are less likely to have health insurance coverage than most Minnesotans and when they can get it, they pay a lot more for it. Why? Because HMOs care a hell of a lot more about profits than they do about people. They are holding a half of a billion dollars in excess reserves that we need to claw back into the state treasury. It’s our money. The money is there; let’s use it for care!

I come from a part of the state that remembers the robber barons of the 19th and 20th centuries, the banks, railroads, grain traders and oil companies who picked the winners and losers and amassed huge personal fortunes on the backs of Minnesotans.… Continue reading »