Dear John,

I don’t know about you, but I’m finding it harder and harder to stay at home. It’s been nearly 60 days of physical distance for me. I’m missing so many things, big and small: people watching at coffee shops, my coworkers grabbing candy from my desk, and hugs.

As humans, it’s natural for us to connect. That’s even more true amidst a global pandemic.

It’s necessary that we wrestle with reality of this new world together: How does one date during a global pandemic? If I can’t make rent this month, what are my options? What sort of herb garden can I grow in my apartment?

I don’t know what’s ahead for us, but I know two things, for sure: 1) there are no silly questions and 2) we figure it out together.

If you’re struggling right now, know that you’re not alone. We’ve gotten through tough times before and we can do it again.

Quarantine fatigue is real, and right now, we need to do what we can to protect health care workers and our vulnerable loved ones and neighbors.

We’re lucky here in Minnesota that our many of our elected take the threat of COVID-19 seriously. As they continue to wrestle with these massive decisions about our lives and safety, we want to thank them for their leadership.

We’re raising money for an ad in the Star Tribune this Friday thanking Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan. Join Minnesotans sending a powerful message together. Chip in $10 – or whatever you can.

Read this powerful article on mutual aid efforts across the nation, with a special shout out to the MN COVIDsitters based here in the Twin Cities.

I’m excited to share Igniting Change, our new political education program led by TakeAction’s organizing team. We’ll be taking time to learn with and from each other and connect in a way that creates movement for a revolution. We’ll keep sending out information about upcoming events, like tonight’s webinar on Zoom, and content, including our new Instagram TV series.

Looking for something a little lighter this week? Join us for a free laugh-in with UpRoar Comedy this Thursday evening. Happy hour starts at 6:30 p.m. and the show begins at 7:00 p.m. Laugh, connect, and help raise #MutualAid.

May is Asian American Pacific Islander History Month. Get inspired by these five AAPI reproductive justice advocates and four Asian-American women who changed history.

On an entirely different note, I laughed so hard at this TikTok of cats wrestling. I hope you will too.

Take care,

LyLy