Dear John,
Last month during the TakeAction member drive, we asked Minnesotans: “What are your feelings about the upcoming election?” I heard people vulnerably share their anxiety and despair, their concerns for our democracy, and their anger and sadness about the ongoing genocide in Gaza.
These conversations resonated with me. I’m frustrated with leaders who aren’t hearing our calls for peace, who are choosing to invest our resources in war and violence over what we need to thrive, and who are failing to deliver the care and action we need and deserve.
As a young person and a first-generation immigrant from Iran, I know we need comprehensive approaches to address the climate crisis now and transform our economy to one that puts people at the center – not corporations. When I feel overwhelmed about politicians who aren’t making this their top priority, I focus on acting locally with people who share my values – because we are the ones who can hold each other up. We are not only organizing to meet this moment and stop violence in Palestine. We are organizing to disrupt the political status quo that allows for this violence to happen, for our neighbors and loved ones to be exploited. We are organizing together, to create a new political reality in our cities, our state, and our country.
Since October of last year, with the help of volunteers who attended our phonebanks, TakeAction has spoken to thousands of Minnesotans who contacted their representatives in support of an immediate and permanent Ceasefire in Gaza. Now, as we near the election, we can continue the momentum we’ve built by organizing locally to elect leaders who speak up with courage to end to the genocide of Palestinian people, and to build an economy that prioritizes people and our planet – leaders like Rep. Ilhan Omar.
Join me to make calls 📞 or knock doors 🚪 to re-elect Ilhan Omar to Congress.
With every action I take in community, my anxiety eases and my hope grows. I’m finding connection and hope in YOU. Act with me to elect local leaders who will push against violence and invest in what we need to live good lives – from safe and affordable homes to clean air and water and beyond.
Join me to make calls 📞 or knock doors 🚪 to re-elect Ilhan Omar to Congress.
In solidarity,
Mahsima Hallaji (she/they)
Field Coordinator
P.S. Invest in our organizing work by becoming a sustaining member today.
