Dear John,

What lessons are you taking from this past election and the rising authoritarianism we’re experiencing? There’s much to reflect on and learn from that can help us chart the path ahead. I’ve been in deep reflection about what it means to build a working class movement, and a party that is the political expression of that movement.

The Democratic Party was built upon the working class, and the party straying from this core belief has fractured its strength. As our working class communities come under attack and face the real, day-to-day impacts of the Trump administration’s agenda, we must be ready to meet folks in the struggle and make meaning of it together.

At TakeAction, we’re committed to bringing our best - our proven methodology of high-quality, deeply impactful deep canvassing conversations, trainings for our leaders and members on how to have hard conversations, and a narrative about our vision for a government that delivers for the working class - into every part of our organizing in the months and years ahead.

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

1. From Diagnosis to Action (Populist Manifesto)
Across the world, center-left parties are facing the same issues our Democratic Party is facing: disconnect from their base and ineffective leadership. But this isn’t an inevitable decline; the frustration working-class voters feel will not dissipate under the Trump administration and now is the opportunity for the Democratic party to reshape itself into one that’s ready to pick a fight and win for the people.
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2. Trump signs executive order to dismantle the Education Department
Donald Trump has issued an unconstitutional executive order to dismantle the Department of Education, which will result in over $2.2 billion in loss of funding for Minnesota schools. Students across our state —particularly low-income students and students with disabilities — will lose access to the educational resources that help them thrive and create a path toward a future of their choosing. Our members are on the frontlines fighting this, organizing a growing group of parents and students alongside educators at the Minneapolis Federation of Teachers and Saint Paul Federation of Educators to win fair budgets and green and healthy schools that defend and strengthen public education.
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3. TakeAction members endorse Omar Fateh for Minneapolis mayor
TakeAction Minnesota proudly endorses Senator Omar Fateh for Mayor of Minneapolis with support from an overwhelming majority of members. TakeAction members agreed that Senator Omar Fateh not only brings real solutions that put Minneapolis residents first, but we can trust he will deliver on them. Every step of the way, Sen. Fateh has been a leader who works in coalition and takes on policy changes that no one thinks are possible and then works like hell with directly impacted people & allies to get it done despite pushback from corporate special interests.
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4. Je suis Khalil
Mahmoud Khalil’s arrest and detainment is a test by Trump’s administration to try and get away with silencing speech he deems un-American or pro-terrorist. No matter which side of the aisle your candidates of choice sit on, it should hold true for everyone that the President is not judge and jury on our First Amendment rights. Our judges have a duty to uphold the law, not Trump’s interpretation of it, and do so clearly and courageously.
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5. A Step-by-Step Guide to Trump’s Deportation Machine
Mass confusion to cover the horrifying actions against our immigrant friends and neighbors is the goal of the Trump administration. But in the age of disinformation, we do not have to be confused, in fact, we can familiarize ourselves with every step of his process and use that to fight back against his deportation machine.
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6. How To Find Your Moral Courage
The Norwegian teachers union that stood up against Nazi Germany in 1942 and the response from their communities to support them is a portrait of the moral courage we need in the modern world. It shows us that while not all of us may be in a direct position to fight back against an injustice we’re experiencing, we are all in a position to support those who are fighting that fight.
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7. Ex-Members of Congress EXPOSE AIPAC, Tell All
Jamaal Bowman and Cori Bush have debuted their first episode of ‘Bowman and Bush’, sharing the untold stories of their experience in Congress and how they continue their fight to change politics in the United States. In a time when we see our media landscape continually dominated by right-wing voices, we need their progressive voices to meet the moment.
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8. Muna AbuSulayman shares free access to films on Palestine
A number of filmmakers have provided free access to their films on Palestine to help spread the message worldwide. In a time when our libraries are being attacked by the Trump administration, we must ensure that important resources like these live on.
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9. Native communities keep maple syrup traditions going, even in urban areas
Trees in our cities can be more than just roadside decorations or a reprieve from the hot sun – they can be opportunities to carry on millennia-old traditions and build community. Gloria Iacono, Four Sisters Urban Farm manager, has been working in south Minneapolis with community members on tapping trees for sap and how to process it into syrup and sugar.
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10. Minnesotan Emily Ford reaches the finish line of the Iditarod sled dog race
Minnesota’s own Emily Ford has officially reached the finish line of the Iditarod sled dog race. This is her first ever Iditarod, and she shared an inspiring reflection that she wants “to continue to represent Black people in cold places” and that “everyone deserves to discover the outdoors, regardless of race, gender identity, or upbringing.”
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That’s a wrap!

As always, please send us what you’re reading, watching and listening to.

Until next time,

Amanda Otero
Co-Executive Director


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