The Spark

Dear John,

 

Welcome to our 3rd Edition of The Spark. Let’s dive right in:

In the Moment

This Friday is International Workers’ Day. Its history is incredible and part of how we arrived to the eight-hour work day we’re familiar with now. We’re in a moment of crisis and workers are rising up and demanding more protections for themselves, and all of us.

 

Read more about Caribou Coffee workers, care workers in hospitals, nurses, and Amazon workers who have all been rising up for their health, their jobs, and their communities.

Need to Know

Rooted in abundance and shared community responsibility, we’ve seen an uptick in powerful acts of solidarity during this global pandemic. From the Great Depression to the 2008 Financial Crash, we’ve gotten through struggles before. And we can do it again, but only if we stay united.

 

Here are two acts of solidarity that have resonated with me recently: 

 

 

Mutual Aid: I’ve seen people buying groceries for each other, Venmo-ing each other money for basic necessities, making masks for each other, delivering crucial medication, and so much more. Folks are also sharing their stimulus checks. Check out this blog post if you need ideas. 

 

Cancelling Rent and Mortgages. Minnesota has led the way on rent and mortgage relief before. And we can do it again. Join Inquilinxs Unidxs at their car rally this Friday in the Twin Cities. If you can’t make it, show your support to #CancelRent and #CancelMortgages digitally.

Spark Change

We’re showing support for frontline and essential workers this weekend by taking action online for the people you’re staying home for.

 

This Saturday, from 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m., post a picture on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter with your face mask and a sign stating #IStayHome, and tell us who you're staying home for. Use the hashtags #MNSolidarity and #StayHomeMN.

 

We can safely be in solidarity together, even though we are physically apart. 

Bright Spots

I was thrilled to see Union Hmong Kitchen featured in Bon Appetit Magazine. They’re also offering takeout meals now on their website, and Chef Yia Vang is offering a cooking class online to benefit Open Arms.  

 

 

Need something to do this Friday evening? TakeAction and the 100% Campaign are hosting a virtual concert with jeremy messersmith. My favorite song of his is “Everybody Gets a Kitten.”

 

 

Take care,

 

LyLy

Organizer