Dear John,

We’re writing to you this week feeling the power and joy of collective action – across faith, ethnicity, and geography. Yesterday, after weeks of Minneapolis neighbors organizing and mobilizing together, Minneapolis City Council passed the strongest Ceasefire resolution in the nation with a veto-proof majority. It explicitly names the ongoing genocide of Palestinians and is the largest U.S. city calling to end all U.S. funding to the Israeli military. 

Thank you to every single one of you who has taken action for Ceasefire these past few months, including all of you who contacted your Council Member in support of this resolution. Your actions matter. We heard from several City Council members how much it meant to receive messages from you and know you are with them.

This is a meaningful victory – and the work isn’t over. We must continue putting pressure on our federal delegation to take action for as long as it takes to stop this genocide. Continue acting with us in caring community at our upcoming Ceasefire phone banks.

Here’s what we’re reading, watching and listening to this week.

1. Minneapolis Ceasefire resolution passes 

“When we come together and vision a world transformed – without Islamophobia, anti semitism, or colonization. When we fight for land back together here and everywhere, we are going to win. It’s been hard for me to believe that this week, and today because of you all, I believe that.” Watch this short, powerful speech from Rabbi Jessica of Jewish Voice for Peace after the Minneapolis City Council passed the strongest Ceasefire resolution in the nation. 

2. Teachers call for Ceasefire 

Teachers are not only calling on the National Education Association to publicly support a ceasefire, but they are also asking the organization to revoke its endorsement of Biden in the 2024 election until he commits to a permanent ceasefire. 

3. Minnesota People Over Parking Act

“These mandates often also force people to build far more parking than they need. And they’re especially burdensome to renters,” state Sen. Omar Fateh said. The proposed bill in Minnesota aims to position the state as a frontrunner in addressing climate action and promoting housing affordability by advocating for the elimination of minimum parking mandates statewide.

4. Hills, Minnesota finds creative childcare solution

The City of Hills Minnesota has creatively addressed their childcare shortage issue by repurposing a city owned building that will host 3 different childcare providers and about 40 children, with no cost to the providers. 

5. Minnesota's Ambitious Plan to Combat Houselessness 

Minnesota is set to launch the "Crossroads to Justice" plan this spring, aiming to reduce statewide homelessness by 15 percent by 2026. Shaped by people who have experienced homelessness, the plan includes measures to increase shelter capacity and ensure widespread access to addiction treatment and recovery resources, as highlighted by Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan.

6. Rent strikes

We won’t end homelessness unless we build renter power. Read this New York Times piece about the San Francisco tenants organizing a rent strike against one of the largest landlords in the City.

7. Ring will no longer allow Police access to footage 

This is a big victory. Ring announced that it will be discontinuing the "Request for Assistance" tool that allowed law enforcement to request doorbell video footage from users through its neighborhood watch app. 

8. Free COVID Clinic 

The free COVID-19 Clinic at Phyllis Wheatley Community Center is expected to resume service on January 29th, providing free PCR testing and vaccinations. Both are available by walk in and you can make an appointment here.

9. Electric Bikes Revolutionize Ghana's Transportation

Any other E-bike enthusiasts in the house? We have quite a few at TakeAction now. That’s why we were excited to see this story about a Ghanaian woman making electric bikes from scratch, revolutionizing short-range transportation in Ghana. These bikes boast an 80-mile range on a single charge, addressing air quality and transportation challenges in Accra.

10. Ice Spice 

We’re giggling with her new song, just out last night.
 

That’s a wrap!
Send us what you’re reading, watching, and listening to.

In solidarity,

Ayanna Lee (they/she)
Digital Manager

Laura Proescholdt (she/her)
Digital Strategist