Dear John,

Thanks so much to everyone who joined us last night at our beloved annual People’s Celebration! We beat our goal and raised $87,720 for grassroots organizing and building people power next year. Congratulations to our honorees: Democracy Protectors in Farmington and St. Cloud, as well as our Labor Movement Champions, including Minnesota Federation of Teachers Local 59 and Education Support Professionals, the Minnesota Nurses Association, and SEIU Local 284.

Here's what we're reading, watching, and listening to this week:

1. #WeAreBG

Brittney Griner, WNBA All-Star, is back in the U.S. after a Russian prison swap. Read one take about what comes next for Brittney.

2. Workers rising

Amazon workers and supporters rallied outside the Shakopee fulfillment center yesterday demanding better wages, safer working conditions, an end to employee surveillance, and steps towards climate justice. Read about the action and listen to TakeAction’s own executive director, Elianne Farhat, share about the powerful solidarity growing between the labor and climate movements.

3. Solidarity forever

Minnesota Nurses reached a tentative agreement with hospital administrators this week. They will be voting on a new contract with salary increases to support staff retention and safer staffing protocols. 

4. Changemakers in Iran

With uncertainty around whether the morality police have actually been dismantled, protests in Iran show no signs of slowing down.

5. Changemakers in China

Young people are powering the white paper demonstrations in China. In this article in the Nation, one activist shares their powerful reflections.

6. Licenses for all

The legislature has continued to block policy measures that would allow undocumented immigrants to obtain driver’s licenses. With a DFL trifecta next legislative session, organizers are hoping the bill will finally pass.

7. Still dreaming

Washington continues to sleep on the opportunity to give Dreamers permanent legal status. Read this story by Minnesota activist Juventino Meza as we near the twelfth anniversary of DACA.

8. Gun violence prevention

Law students at the University of Minnesota are collaborating with Attorney General Ellison and Everytown Law to hold negligent gun sellers accountable.

9. Lots to sing about

Singing is making a comeback in movement spaces. Read more about how organizers are using singing culture for social change.

10. Goblin mode

Though I (Jessica) feel like I spend a lot of time on the internet, I honestly hadn’t heard of this term that is Oxford’s word of the year. Read more about why this term won the top spot by a landslide in a public vote.

And that’s a wrap!

Send us what you’re reading, watching, and listening to.

Until next time,

Katie Blanchard (she/her)
Basebuilding Director

Jessica Zimmerman (she/her)
Development Director