May power building updates |
Dear John, TakeAction members kept it moving in May. Here’s the latest: 💥 Duluth Tenants SURPASSED our goal of 5,000 signatures to get Duluth Right to Repair on the ballot in November!
🤢 Minnesota United Parents mobilized hundreds of parents to defend Paid Sick Days from threats at the Minnesota legislature.
💜 Minneapolis Families for Public Schools showed up strong to push back against cuts to special education funding and co-present demands around class size and special education with our educators’ union as they launch contract negotiations.
🎸 Twin Cities United Performers continues to organize for transparent communication and respectful treatment via the TCUP Advance campaign.
🪩 We can’t wait to scream-sing with you at our Solidarity in Stereo benefit concert at the Green Room next week on Tuesday, June 3. Be there or show your support. Read on for more, including an ✨exclusive interview✨with Duluth Tenants member, Natalie Chin!
Whether you’re a member of a TakeAction Minnesota team or part of our general membership, we’re glad you’re here. |
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We're making moves: Timely updates and calls to action |
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Image: Duluth Tenants members at a press conference on 5/2 |
| 💥 Signature goal: smashed
Duluth Tenants can’t be stopped. In just two months, our members organized to collect more than our goal of 5,000 signatures from renters, homeowners, and responsible landlords who are clear that Duluth Right to Repair is a commonsense policy to ensure renters get timely repairs. Check out Duluth Tenants in the news.
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Image: MNUP members organizing to protect Paid Sick Days |
| 🤢 Parents say: “Sick is sick!”
When certain Minnesota lawmakers tried to take Paid Sick Days away from Minnesota workers just because of where they work, MN United Parents mobilized hundreds of parents to say: no way.
While Paid Sick Days appear to be safe, lawmakers are still finalizing the budget. Some of them are attempting to rip healthcare away from thousands of undocumented Minnesotans. It’s wrong. No matter where we work, or where we’re born, sick is sick. All of us deserve care. |
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Image: MFPS members at MFE contract negotiations on 4/30 |
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💜 Parents & educators demand smaller class sizes & caseloads
On April 30, 40 Minneapolis Families for Public Schools (MFPS) members showed up strong at Minneapolis Federation of Educators’ contract negotiations to support their class size and special education proposals. It was an historic moment of direct community solidarity with educators – the kind we need as we build toward big wins at MPS. Sign the parent pledge to get involved.
MFPS is currently tracking the MPS budget process. Despite parents and educators speaking out strongly against it, the district’s proposed budget includes dramatic cuts to special education. The final budget vote is June 10. Send an email to tell MPS leadership: NO cuts to Special Education.
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Image: The 500+ performers who signed TCUP's Power Pledge |
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🎸 Performers, we deserve respect. Period.
TCUP members continue to push for dignified, respectful treatment for performers and transparent communication with venues via our advance campaign. Right now, we’re following up with the 500+ performers who pledged to use the TCUP advance to see how it’s going. Fill out our new member interest form to plug in.
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We're learning about: The art of canvassing |
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Image: Artwork by Noah Lawrence-Holder |
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To build the communities we deserve and show up for each other in a dangerous federal landscape, we need to be able to have real, meaningful conversations with each other. It’s essential, and it can feel scary. Whether canvassing freaks you out or you’re an experienced canvasser looking to sharpen your skills, we’re coming together this summer to get equipped to be excellent canvassers. Sign up now. Our first session is June 18.
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We're chatting with: Natalie Chin, Duluth Tenants |
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1) What team are you part of, and what are you organizing to win? I’m a member of Duluth Tenants. We’re organizing to build renter power in Duluth. Our main initiative now is to pass a Duluth Right to Repair ordinance, which would make sure renters have a tool to get common sense repairs without having to wait months or go to court.
2) What’s one thing you’ve learned about yourself since you’ve started organizing? Organizing has made me think about my relationship to power in a different way. It’s shown me that I’m more courageous than I thought I was, and I can make a difference. Before, I didn’t think I had much power at all. Especially right now, it feels so important to know that I do have power, and the actions that I take can ripple out and have a broader impact. One of those moments for me was making a public comment at Duluth City Council in support of Duluth Right to Repair. I didn’t think that was something I'd ever do, but it was empowering and healing to share my repair story in support of something I believe in.
3) How can folks build power and act with your team right now? If you’re local, we’re still collecting signatures in support of Duluth Right to Repair to ensure it can go to the ballot this fall. Come out and sign. We’re spot canvassing around the city! Then, continue to show your support as we approach the November election. We need all the support we can get for folks to vote in favor and get it passed! |
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We’re pumped for: Solidarity in Stereo on June 3 |
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Image: Solidarity in Stereo Benefit Concert Flyer |
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And that’s a wrap! How are you doing as this month comes to a close? Reply and let us know. More soon, Laura Kiernan (she/her) Member Organizer Laura Proescholdt (she/her) Narrative & Communications Director |
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Disclaimer: This is an independent expenditure paid for by TakeAction Minnesota, 2356 University Avenue W, #401A, St. Paul, MN 55114. It is not coordinated with or approved by any candidate nor is any candidate responsible for it. |
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