Mutual support and care

Dear John,

Across Minnesota, we’re fighting for equal representation in the halls of power. This week, I’ve been reflecting on the importance of care and solidarity as we pave our way to better politics, because on Tuesday, Sheila Nezhad and Kate Knuth endorsed each other for mayor of Minneapolis. This mutual support demonstrates that they’re already putting the wellbeing of our city and our movement for a progressive majority in City Hall before their own political power.

It’s common sense that we should support candidates who care more about the future of their communities than their campaigns. In Minneapolis, the reality is that mayoral incumbent Jacob Frey has thrived off of and fed into a long, global legacy of entrenched patriarchal power in politics. He has a well-documented history of lying and fear mongering to protect his personal political power. He’s lied about prominent female politicians’ stances on the issues our city faces to bolster his own positions, and he’s sought out the women who’ve spoken out against him to berate and intimidate them.

As a woman, I’m ready to elect leaders who will put the people they serve before their political careers. Bullying, white male entitlement and power-hoarding have no place in our government. When women are represented in politics, we all do better: our democracies thrive, and policies that support care work and families improve all of our livelihoods.

But patriarchy and sexism have created a very uneven playing field. In public opinion and the media, women in leadership are met with scrutiny and criticism while men are given grace and forgiveness.

No matter where we live, we all deserve equal representation in the halls of power. Sheila and Kate are exemplary leaders, showing us how we can ask for politics that center people, and care. Join me in supporting them: donate to fuel our political work, join them at a doorknock, and make your plan to vote by November 2nd. We are ready for leaders who act with care. Let’s use the power of our wallets, our community connections, and our votes to win the leadership our communities need and deserve.

Volunteer for door knock or phone banking shift to get out the vote for Sheila and Kate.
Make your plan to vote by November 2nd, and make sure your family, friends, and neighbors have plans to vote too.
Support our grassroots movement to protect our local democracy, expand public safety, and elect a progressive majority in Minneapolis this fall. Chip in today, and we’ll send you a #DontRankFrey t-shirt.
Minneapolis residents know our current public safety is failing too many of our neighbors. Learn more about how we’re engaging with our community members to chart a new path forward in this great article, and join us to deep canvass for public safety at a phonebank or doorknock shift.
Volunteer for a phonebank shift to support Azrin Awal and Mike Mayou’s campaigns for city council in Duluth. Since it’s a phonebank, you can volunteer from anywhere!
Student loans are rooted in white supremacy and sexism, but thousands of folks across the country are paying the price of an inequitable system designed to serve a wealthy few and exploit and exclude everyone else. Join us on October 28th and share your story about what student debt cancellation would mean for you and your loved ones.
We're going to keep fighting for the policies we need after November 2nd. Join us at our People's Celebration on December 11th for (virtual) community connection. Community is essential, and joy is medicine. Get your early bird ticket today!

Take action and take care,

Jessie (she/her)
Communications Manager