August Blog
What's happening in Minnetonka and beyond.
Hi everyone!
I’ve been super busy and travelling a lot the past few months. Luckily nothing of note is going on so there’s not much to talk about! (Yes, that was sarcasm). Let’s dive in.
As a City Councilmember, I hold a nonpartisan seat and while I do not equate that with apolitical, I have been careful not to share things that might be considered blatantly partisan.
I do, however, consider myself a progressive. I’ve had several conversations recently about what that means - and we can talk about it another time if people are interested - but I’m guessing if you’re reading this blog, we probably share some progressive beliefs.
All of that is a precursor to me telling/warning you that I’m going to be sharing some information about groups that I’m working with that, while also nonpartisan, will be doing some work in support of specific candidates. I’ll also be encouraging you to join in their efforts.
To paraphrase “Hamilton” - History has its eyes on us.
Turn out for what?!
Yes, I’m showing my age. For those of you who didn’t catch the pop culture reference -
It’s audio only. Pursue the video at your own risk. You have been warned.
I’m in leadership and/or a member of several progressive groups. The efforts of many of these groups will be overlapping for the upcoming election. They will consist mainly of supporting specific candidates and voter turnout.
INDIVISIBLE West Metro
Starting in August, IWM will be hosting Thursday night gathering over zoom. We will be talking to local candidates (SD45, SD42, SD37) or their representatives and sharing volunteer opportunities as well as having educational sessions that will aid in our efforts and understanding for the upcoming election. I will update with an invitation once details are finalized.
Faith in Minnesota
From the Faith in Minnesota website - https://faithinmn.org/
Faith in Minnesota is a political home for people of faith who are acting boldly and prophetically to create a new, people-centered politics in our state — one rooted in abundance, where everyone is in and no one is out. Faith in Minnesota, the 501(c)4 arm of ISAIAH, gives us a new platform for living more fully into our moral citizenship by allowing us to organize and advocate directly in our state’s elections and political process. It is a vehicle for creating a Minnesota that is inclusive and just for every person.
An August 25th Launch is planned to begin our election work in SD45. More details to follow
Poor People’s Campaign
I’m not actively involved with the Poor People’s Campaign but have been a fan of their work so I’m sharing the email that I received from them below:
On behalf of the MN PPC core committee, I’d like to invite you to consider being part of the Get Out The Vote (GOTV) team for Minnesota. We know we will need folks to organize and do what we can to wake that sleeping giant of poor and low-wealth infrequent MN voters before November. The exact path of our GOTV work is one we will create together at this critical and historic moment. Many hands make light work as they say. If you’re willing to be part of the MN GOTV team, please
respond to this messageemail minnesota@poorpeoplescampaign.org and let us know. Someone from the core committee will follow up with you on next steps.Also, we have several important events coming up and we would love to have you be part of any of them.
On Sunday August 4 at 4:00pm we are gathering at St. Anthony Park Lutheran Church at 2323 Como in St Paul. There is fresh energy after the national Poor People's Campaign rally in Washington DC June 29th! We will share stories and insights from the Moral Call for Action in DC, talk about the overall Poor Peoples Campaign and move forward with some planning. A consistent message at the rally was that impacted people are the swing vote-so very true. Please send an email if you can join us so we can be sure to be ready for all who are coming. Feel free to invite others! Are you part of an organization whose activities aligns with the campaign-please let us know and consider joining us on the 4th. We welcome partnerships-it's all about relationships.
On Sunday August 11th we have an opportunity to table and talk to community members at a back to school event. It's being held from 1-5, with a set up time of 12, at Macadonia Baptist Church in Minneapolis. This is a great chance to put time and energy into the campaign and we will be sure you have all you need.
IF WE EVER NEEDED TO VOTE FOR DEMOCRACY AND JUSTICE, WE SURE DO NEED TO VOTE NOW!
Here are some preliminary goals for our organizing and GOTV work:
Ensure that the issues of poor and low-income people and low-wage workers are at the center of the national narrative around the election.
Engage poor and low-income infrequent voters in the election and the campaign for the long-term.
We’re specifically saying our votes are not support, but are demands. Our votes are saying we won’t be silent any more, and we demand that the issues - issues that address the five interlocking injustices - of the 140 million poor, low wealth and low wage people, and low-wage workers are addressed by those in office.
Happening in Minnetonka
Link to City of Minnetonka Calendar
August Minnetonka Memo - Check out pages 3 and 4 for a highlight of upcoming events in Minnetonka including Music in the Park, Movies in the Park, and Summer in the Commons.