No Kings, and More … All of a sudden, from LA and across the country, so much is going on. Here is a quick but limited update about some of the leading events.
“NO KINGS”
Once again, Indivisible has taken the lead in organizing these protests– originally to counter the huge Soviet-style military parade Trump has ordered for his birthday this Saturday, 6/14. And now with the repression spanning out from LA, it is even more important that ordinary citizens join together and speak out against the corruption, the hatred, and the madness. It is equally important that we do this PEACEFULLY– and not give Trump’s military reasons to attack and create scenes for their theatrical show of force. Protests are scheduled for several spots in Minnesota this Saturday— but you will need to sign in at a link to get specific information and register.
or join the regular protests at Emmer’s Office– Otsego Tuesday 430-530 pm, Saturdays 11 am- noon
Closer to home – take 1: State DFL Daily Call messages
Some recent highlights… Friday, June 13– listening session in Bloomington at the VFW. Congresswoman Kelly Morrison and Former Secretary of Veterans Affairs Denis McDonough are special guests. Visitors are invited to attend. June 13 Humphrey-Mondale– dinner with JB Pritzker. They have a dedicated Content Creators table at the event to get the word out- Saturday, June 14- No Kings Day–there are 37 rallies in MN. Richard Carlbom, DFL Chair, will be at 4 of them. Monday June 16- Richard will be at the Bemidji Fish Fry
New Co-host: DFL Director of Operations Hannah Dereje will join the calls as a co-host
Expect an announcement Monday about a New Program for Summer of Action that districts can join.
LA situation: Trump wants to expand his authoritarian regime. He is trying to distract from the fact that big business is making lots of money with changes in tariffs and the big bad bill. We need to continue to hold him to account.
Message of the Day: Minnesota Democrats are fighting for workers, not corporate power.
June 11 graphic shows a Minnesota Reformer article about how Democrats protected the ban on non-compete agreements from carve-outs sought by big business. Share graphics like this from the DFL: https://dfl.org/post/
Closer to home – take 2: Volunteer for SD31 DFL this summer
SD31 DFL had our monthly meeting this Tuesday, 6/10. Chair Leslie Pendergast shares this quick summary: “The biggest call out for the newsletter is that we’re looking for volunteers for various parades, fairs and other activities. Sign-ups for all the various festivals are on the Neighborhood Network website. We also are canceling our Aug meeting so that everyone can join the North Metro Picnic (on Tuesday August 12) to participate and donate silent auction items. Protest this weekend of course. Buses are full.”
Several candidates are seeking endorsement to run as the Democrat against Congressman Emmer in 2026. CD6 DFL is organizing a series of forums to introduce each candidate and their values. These events are also a chance for you to share your thoughts on the key issues facing our district. We’ll be holding four forums across the district, each focused on the unique challenges in our communities. Check out the calendar for these events here: https://cd6dfl.com/candidateforums
Thank you, and keep up the good work. Let your voice be heard, in PEACE and LOVE!
Greetings, DFL Friends– We hope you are getting a good start to your summer. The geese have been bringing lots of babies into our yard— a mixed blessing but a sign that life goes on despite our political ups and downs.
Speaking of ups and downs, as we bounce between wet and dry, hot and cool at this time of year, it is reminiscent of the newly minted term, TACO Trades. Investors are finding out that Trump’s threats are often drastically cut back as time goes on— “Trump Always Chickens Out!” Trump seems to time his threats to help his billionaire friends and family benefit from the market swings.
Well, his administration does not ALWAYS back down—ask the people who have been wrongly deported to cruel prisons in El Salvador, Sudan, Libya.
Corruption and Cruelty seem to be the order of the day from Washington. And so-called conservatives seem no longer to be interested in the Constitution they once revered. Check our website for a refresher on the Bill of Rights and what they mean to us!
There will be many ways to get active this summer— see below or go to VoteBlueMN.orgfor ideas. See you this summer!
_____________________________________
Key Upcoming Events (details below)
June 9— Monday
5:30-7 PM
Anoka County DFL Celebration for Jerry Newton & Fundraiser
Crooners Supper Club, Fridley
June 10— Tuesday
6:00- 8 PM
SD31 DFL Monthly Gathering
Andover Community Center
June 13— Friday
5:30- 9 PM
MN State DFL Humphrey-Mondale Dinner
Special Guest Gov JB Pritzker
June 14— Saturday
NO KINGS Protest events
Otsego (10-12), Anoka (11-2), Forest Lake (10-12), and Minneapolis (11-1)
Protests at Tom Emmer’s Office- organized by Indivisible
Saturdays 11:00 Am -12:00 Noon
Tuesdays 4:30-5:30 PM
Tom Emmer Office, 9201 Quaday Ave, Otsego (Elk River) MN
__________________________________________
TUESDAY, June 10 (and the second Tuesday every month)
SD31 DFL Monthly Gathering for Social Connections and Business
6:00 pm Social / 6:30 pm call to order
Andover Community Center- Community Room A
____________________________________________
MONDAY 6/9 and After
School Board Meetings — St Francis And Anoka-Hennepin
The students and faculty of our school districts need our continued support as the right-wing faction seeks to undo years of progress and stop anything related to equity or teaching history honestly without whitewashing.
Anoka-Hennepin
Work Sessions allow for observation only— but we need people to watch what is happening! Major decisions are often made in these meetings, without a written record.
Work Sessions–-.
NEXT: Monday 6/9, 7/14
5:30 pm Education Services Center, 2727 Ferry St, Anoka
Regular School Board Meetings—
NEXT: 6/23, ?7/14, 8/25
6:30 pm, Sandburg Ed. Center, Anoka 1902 2nd Ave
If you cannot make the meetings in person you can also watch live. The agenda and streaming link are posted here:
State DFL Humphrey-Mondale Dinner Minneapolis Hilton
The 13th annual Humphrey-Mondale Dinner will be held the evening of Friday, June 13th, 2025 with keynote speaker, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker. The Annual Humphrey-Mondale Dinner is the largest DFL event of the year and tickets will sell out quickly. If you’re interested RSVP today to save your seat and hear from Governor Pritzker and our incredible Minnesota leaders!
If you are interested in attending click Reserve Tickets to sign up.
__________________________________________
SATURDAY. June 14
“No Kings” National Mass Protest
This is planned as a counter to Trump’s militarized dictatorial “Birthday” event. It is organized by a separate group.
Protests are planned across the Metro region— at somewhat differing times. The closest are:
Otsego (10-12)
Anoka (11-2)
Forest Lake (10-12)
Minneapolis (11-1)
For more info, or to sign up: https://www.nokings.org/ _______________________________ Links and Notes You Can Use Keep checking our SD31 DFL Website: VoteBlueMN.org
The Silence of Republicans on Trump defying the Constitution— Heather Cox Richardson:
Make a donation of any size to SD31 and get a full refund— before the legislature takes it away!
Contribute whatever you can– and then GET A FULL REFUND for any amount up to $75 per person. If you make smaller donations, save your receipts and submit them together— this is a one-time refund per person. Each member of a couple can get the full $75 refund.
After donating atVoteBlueMN.org, just print and fill the following document and send it in with your receipt. The address is on the form.
Email Updates and Submissions Newsletters and other Emails from SD31 DFL will typically be sent out on Monday or Tuesday, once or twice a month. If you have an item to share, please submit it by noon on Friday to info@VoteBlueMN.org
We also welcome longer items for our website if you have articles, blogs, or letters that you would like to share! Check the site out at VoteBlueMN.org.
_______________________________
THANK YOU for every effort you are able to make— no matter how large or small—to help prevent tyranny in our country, and to make this state and country better. Please stay connected!
Greetings, DFL Friends– We hope you have been managing in the heat… and don’t get hit now with hail or tornadoes. The world seems to keep getting hotter, and more climate-chaotic— despite Trump’s efforts to silence National Weather Service and climate science. Thermometers don’t lie (unlike Trump and the GOP)!
The news keeps on coming about Trump’s abandonment of the US Constitution and embracing of Corruption and Cruelty. There are lots of ways to respond, to resist, and to try to find a solid way forward. One of the best ways is to stay connected with others, especially fellow DFL’ers. The summer looks like it will be a “long hot summer” in more ways than one. Take a look at the opportunities for action that are just past your doorstep. Each of us can pick one thing to do and stick to it.
Our most recent general SD31 DFL monthly meeting took place on Tuesday May 13. See notes below, as well as lots of other activities locally and across the Metro.
_____________________________________
Key Upcoming Events (see details below)
**Saturday 5/17: COMMUNITY ADVOCACY FAIR— 11 am -2 pm
Sponsored by SD31 DFL Outreach
Rum River Library, Anoka
Tuesday 5/20: Clean Elections MN Webinar with Sec. of State Steve Simon 7 pm
“The Threat to Voting by the SAVE Act and President Trump’s Executive Order”
Daily: DFL Statewide Call. 1045 am (info below)
Weekly: Protests at Emmer’s Office, Otsego
Tuesdays 4-5 pm
Saturdays 11 am- Noon
_________________________________________
TUESDAY 5/13 was our most recent
SD31 DFL Monthly Gathering & Business Meeting
Items discussed included (unofficial list):
*Treasurer report was presented. We have a solid pad in our account.
*The group agreed to have a budget plan (spending and income) by the time of the August meeting
*Elaine Drew was elected as assistant Treasurer
*Several Director positions remain open— please volunteer!
*Same for State Central Committee representatives (2 positions)
*Abbey Payeur, nonpartisan candidate for School Board, talked about her campaign
TUESDAY, June 10 (and the second Tuesday every month)
6:00 pm Social / 6:30 pm call to order
Andover Community Center
Officers for 2025-2027: Chair: Leslie Pendergast 1st Vice Chair: Andy Hillebregt 2nd Vice Chair: Alyson Gullette Secretary: Betsy O’Berry Treasurer: George Drew Outreach Officer: Nichole Hayden
Congratulations and THANKS to our new officers!
__________________________________________
SATURDAY 5/17
** NEIGHBORHOOD NETWORK- COMMUNITY ADVOCACY FAIR! **
Our Neighborhood Network now has connections with thousands of voters. One important upcoming event sponsored by the NN is the Community Advocacy Fair. This is “An event designed to connect community members with non-profit organizations that provide valuable services and volunteer opportunities.”
This gathering is a great opportunity to connect with fellow community members, enjoy some refreshments, and talk with others who work to support important causes in our community. These are community members of non-profit organizations who provide valuable services and volunteer opportunities that make a positive impact in our district. No RSVP required.
Date: Saturday, May 17 Time: 11:00 am to 2:00 pm Place: Rum River Public Library 4201 6th Ave NW Anoka MN 55303 For more on the Neighborhood Network, check out their separate website, http://dflneighborhoodnetwork.net
AND If you would like to support this great work, here is a direct link:
HUNGER: From school meals to SNAP, Minnesota Republicans are trying to cut the programs that prevent working families from going hungry. Congress is voting this week to cut SNAP benefits. This is for children and seniors in particular. They are taking food out of people’s mouths to fund tax cuts for billionaires. Find the graphic at dfl.org/post
RADICAL RIGHT EXTREMIST RUNNING FOR GOVERNOR: Minnesotans don’t want Kendall Qualls or his far-right agenda anywhere near Minnesota government—which is why they’ve already rejected him twice before. See the graphic at dfl.org/post
Kendall Qualls is set to announce that he is running for Governor. Qualls is a culture warrior. He wants to defund public education. He opposes family planning.
HEALTH CARE: 230,000 Minnesotans could lose their health insurance if the GOP Medicaid cuts pass. Representative Morrison is building a coalition to fight back.
TARIFFS KILL MINNESOTA BUSINESSES: Small businesses across Minnesota are being devastated by Donald Trump’s chaotic trade wars. Minnesota’s jobs and businesses are on the line. Trump’s trade war and tariffs only help a few large businesses and billionaires. Our 4 Republican members of Congress are CHOOSING to help a few billionaires on the backs of MN small businesses.
Some of the recent suggested actions:
Put this message on your social media and tag Reps. Finstad, Emmer, Fischbach and Stauber. Ask them why they want kids to be hungry.
Use DFL.org/voteno to send letters to members of Congress about the cuts to SNAP benefits.
Join us at the Humphrey Mondale dinner June 13. Humphreymondale.com Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker is the keynote speaker.
_______________________________________________
SATURDAYS 5/17, 5/24, 5/31, 6/7, and every Saturday
SD31 DFL Saturday Coffee Break
830-11 am
Starbucks inside Andover target
______________________________________________
TUESDAYS 5/20, 5/27, 6/3, 6/10
SATURDAYS 5/17, 5/24, 5/31, 6/7, 6/14
Protest Emmer And Musk Every Tuesday And Saturday
at Emmer’s Otsego office— organized by Indivisible North Metro Place:
Tom Emmer Office, 9201 Quaday Ave, Otsego (Elk River) MN
Times:
Tuesdays 4:30-5:30 pm
Saturdays 11 am- Noon
____________________________________________
Sunday 5/18
Indivisible North Metro Bridge Brigade
Champlin- 10-11 AM
Parking at Mann Theater in Champlin by the pedestrian bridge. Bring your American Flags!
This is a recurring event every week.
___________________________________________
MONDAY 5/19 and After
School Board Meetings — St Francis And Anoka-Hennepin
The students and faculty of our school districts need our continued support as the right-wing faction seeks to undo years of progress and stop anything related to equity or teaching history honestly without whitewashing.
Anoka-Hennepin
Work Sessions allow for observation only— but we need people to watch what is happening! Major decisions are often made in these meetings, without a written record.
Work Sessions— 4th Mondays, 5:30 pm Education Services Center, 2727 Ferry St, Anoka. NEXT: 6/9
Regular School Board Meetings— Mondays, 6:30 pm, Sandburg Ed. Center, Anoka 1902 2nd Ave.
NEXT: 5/19, 6/23
If you cannot make the meetings in person you can also watch live. The agenda and streaming link are posted here:
North Metro School Board Candidate Night & Community Fundraiser
(sponsored by School Board Integrity Project)
Starts at 6:00 PM
Alloy Brewing Company
2700 Coon Rapids Blvd NW
Coon Rapids, MN
Join us for a fun and energizing evening as we kick off the 2025 school board campaign season in the North Metro!
Meet local school board candidates from across districts like Anoka-Hennepin, Fridley, Mounds View, Spring Lake Park, and more. Enjoy great food, inspiring guest speakers, and meaningful conversations about how we can protect our public schools and support leaders who put students, educators, and integrity first.
Come for the conversation, stay for the community. Together, we can build a future where honesty, inclusion, and the freedom to learn are at the center of public education.
This event is hosted by the School Board Integrity Project (SBIP). Donations are welcome and will go directly toward supporting local candidates and our community engagement efforts.
Can’t make it but still want to contribute? You can donate here:
State DFL Humphrey-Mondale Dinner Minneapolis Hilton
The 13th annual Humphrey-Mondale Dinner will be held the evening of Friday, June 13th, 2025 with keynote speaker, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker. The Annual Humphrey-Mondale Dinner is the largest DFL event of the year and tickets will sell out quickly. If you’re interested RSVP today to save your seat and hear from Governor Pritzker and our incredible Minnesota leaders!
If you are interested in attending click Reserve Tickets to sign up.
_______________________________ Links and Notes You Can Use Keep checking our SD31 DFL Website: VoteBlueMN.org
The Silence of Republicans on Trump defying the Constitution— Heather Cox Richardson:
Make a donation of any size to SD31 and get a full refund— before the legislature takes it away!
Contribute whatever you can– and then GET A FULL REFUND for any amount up to $75 per person. If you make smaller donations, save your receipts and submit them together— this is a one-time refund per person. Each member of a couple can get the full $75 refund.
After donating atVoteBlueMN.org, just print and fill the following document and send it in with your receipt. The address is on the form.
Email Updates and Submissions Newsletters and other Emails from SD31 DFL will typically be sent out on Monday or Tuesday, once or twice a month. If you have an item to share, please submit it by noon on Friday to info@VoteBlueMN.org
We also welcome longer items for our website if you have articles, blogs, or letters that you would like to share! Check the site out at VoteBlueMN.org.
_______________________________
As always, THANK YOU for every thing you are able to do— no matter how large or small—to help prevent tyranny in our country, and to make this state and country better. Please stay connected!
Greetings, DFL Friends– As we note on our website, momentum is growing— protests are spreading. Maybe it is even safe to say that people are starting to “wake up”? Please make use of our website to locate events such as protests and other gatherings. There is a lot going on and we want to keep this newsletter manageable! Besides helping with protests and letter-writing, REMEMBER our Park Clean-up in Saturday 4/26, our regular meeting on 5/13, and our big Community Advocacy Fair on 5/17.
And By the Way, April 21-28 is International Dark Sky Week. Check out
https://idsw.darksky.org/ to learn more about what we can do to preserve and protect one of our most threatened resources and legacies.
_____________________________________
Key Upcoming Events (see details below)
Monday 4/21: Health Care for All Minnesota Town Hall. 7 pm
Anoka County DFL Meeting 7 pm @Teamsters Hall, Blaine
Tuesday 4/22: Earth Day Rally at MN State Capitol. 130-330 pm
Protest at Emmer’s Office, Otsego. 430-530 pm
Friday 4/25: MOVIE NIGHT IS CANCELLED for this month
Saturday 4/26: DFL Coffee Break. 830-11 am
SD31 Park Cleanup— Hidden Creek Park North. 11 am- 1 pm
Protest at Emmer’s Office, Otsego. 11 am- Noon
Monday 4/28: A-H and St Francis School Board Meetings 630 pm
Wednesday 4/30: SENIOR CAUCUS Rally to SAY STOP to 100 Days of Destruction 1-3 pm
Friday 5/9- 5/11: Young Democrats of America National Convention- Minneapolis
Tuesday 5/20: Clean Elections MN Webinar with Sec. of State Steve Simon 7 pm
“The Threat to Voting by the SAVE Act and President Trump’s Executive Order”
Daily: DFL Statewide Call. 1045 am
Tuesday 5/13: SD31 DFL Monthly gathering. 6 pm
Saturday 5/17: Community Advocacy Fair. 11 am -2 pm
_________________________________________
TUESDAY 5/13
SD31 DFL Monthly Gathering & Business Meeting
Our next SD31 DFL Meeting:
Tuesday, May 13 (and the second Tuesday every month)
6:00 pm Social / 6:30 pm call to order
Andover Community Center
At our last meeting, our annual conference or business meeting or “convention,” we elected new officers for the 2025-2026 term: Chair: Leslie Pendergast 1st Vice Chair: Andy Hillebregt 2nd Vice Chair: Alyson Gullette Secretary: Betsy O’Berry Treasurer: George Drew Outreach Officer: Nichole Hayden
Congratulations and THANKS to our new officers!
__________________________________________
MONDAY 4/21
Anoka County DFL Meeting
7 pm, Teamster’s Hall, Blaine
_________________________________________
MONDAY 4/21
Health Care For All: Minnesota Town Hall 7pm
This important gathering will focus on federal government actions that are harming Minnesotans – and how we can respond together. Speakers include: US Representative Ilhan Omar (MN-05)
DFL Floor Leader Jamie Long
MN Senators Omar Fateh and Doron Clark
MN Representatives Esther Agbaje, Emma Greenman, Katie Jones, Sydney Jordan, Samantha Sencer-Mura, Mike Howard, Anquam Mahamoud, and Aisha Gomez.
Date: Monday, April 21
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Will be shared via email before the event
Click HERE to register and receive the location details!
For these town halls, we’re also looking for:
Personal stories about how harmful federal policies are impacting you or your family
Volunteers to help greet or sign people in at the event
If you’re willing to share your story or volunteer, please email us at info@hca-mn.org
_____________________________________
TUESDAY 4/22
Earth Day Rally at the MN State Capitol 1:30 – 3:30 PM
Join Friends of the Boundary Waters and their partners in front of the Minnesota State Capitol at 1:30pm, and make your voice heard.
This event will bring together advocates for clean water and air, for climate solutions, Indigenous rights, public lands protection and more.
This Earth Day, your presence matters now more than ever. The decisions being made today will affect our wilderness areas for generations to come.
Event Details:
What: Earth Day Rally at the Minnesota State Capitol steps (or Rotunda in bad weather)
at Emmer’s Otsego office— organized by Indivisible North Metro Place: Tom Emmer Office, 9201 Quaday Ave, Otsego (Elk River) MN
Times: Saturdays 11 am- Noon
Tuesdays 4:30-5:30 pm
________________________________________________
SATURDAY 4/26 (and every Saturday)
SD31 DFL Saturday Coffee Break
830-11 am
Starbucks inside Andover target
__________________________________________
SATURDAY 4/26
** SD31 Park Cleanup**
Saturday 4/26
11 am -1 pm
Hidden Creek North Park
2620 Bunker Lake Blvd, Andover
We need your help! Pitch in for an hour or so to help clean up a corner of our community— let’s keep showing them we are “Good People Doing Good Things.”
____________________________________________
MONDAY 4/28 and After
School Board Meetings — St Francis And Anoka-Hennepin
The students and faculty of our school districts need our continued support as the right-wing faction seeks to undo years of progress and stop anything related to equity or teaching history honestly without whitewashing.
Anoka-Hennepin
Work Sessions allow for observation only— but we need people to watch what is happening! Major decisions are often made in these meetings, without a written record.
Work Sessions— 4th Mondays, 5:30 pm Education Services Center, 2727 Ferry St, Anoka. NEXT: 5/12, 6/9
Regular School Board Meetings— Mondays, 6:30 pm, Sandburg Ed. Center, Anoka 1902 2nd Ave.
NEXT: 4/28, 5/26
St Francis
2nd and 4th Mondays , 6:30 PM, Community Room, District Office
4115 Ambassador Boulevard NW, St Francis MN 55070
NEXT: 4/28, 5/12
_____________________________________________
WEDNESDAY 4/30
DFL Senior Caucus: Rally to
SAY STOP to 100 Days of Destruction
1-3 pm
Minnesota DFL Senior Caucus, in partnership with allied organizations, is hosting a rally to say STOP to 100 days of destruction – and to defend the programs that keep our communities healthy, stable, and secure.
We’re calling for:
No more attacks on Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and Veterans’ health care
A government that works for the people, not corporate profiteers
Protection of essential public programs for future generations, not just today’s retirees
Rally Details:
Where: MN State Capitol (75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Blvd., St. Paul MN 55155
Time: Order food— room opens at 12:30; Meeting starts: 1:00 PM
_____________________________________
SATURDAY 5/17
** NEIGHBORHOOD NETWORK- COMMUNITY ADVOCACY FAIR! **
Our Neighborhood Network now has connections with thousands of voters. One important upcoming event sponsored by the NN is the Community Advocacy Fair. This is “An event designed to connect community members with non-profit organizations that provide valuable services and volunteer opportunities.” Date: Saturday, May 17 Time: 11:00 am to 2:00 pm Place: Rum River Public Library 4201 6th Ave NW Anoka MN 55303 For more on the Neighborhood Network, check out their own website, http://dflneighborhoodnetwork.net
AND If you would like to support this great work, here is a direct link:
https://secure.actblue.com/donate/sd31nn
Also, don’t forget our weekly DFL Coffee Break every Saturday morning 830-11 at the Starbucks inside the Andover Target.
_______________________________________
TUESDAY 5/20
Clean Elections Minnesota Webinar with Sec. of State Steve Simon:
“The Threat to Voting by the SAVE Act and President Trump’s Executive Order”
The DFL State party started daily communication calls Monday – Friday at 10:45AM These calls highlight what is important to talk about for the day along with text to post on your FB pages. If you’re interested in signing up for these calls, click this link: Sign Up For DFL Comm Calls
State DFL Humphrey-Mondale Dinner Minneapolis Hilton
The 13th annual Humphrey-Mondale Dinner will be held the evening of Friday, June 13th, 2025 with keynote speaker, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker. The Annual Humphrey-Mondale Dinner is the largest DFL event of the year and tickets will sell out quickly. If you’re interested RSVP today to save your seat and hear from Governor Pritzker and our incredible Minnesota leaders!
If you are interested in attending click Reserve Tickets to sign up.
_______________________________ Links and Notes You Can Use Keep checking our SD31 DFL Website: VoteBlueMN.org
Fighting for Due Process for us all— Heather Cox Richardson on Abrego Garcia:
Make a donation of any size to SD31 and get a full refund— before the legislature takes it away!
Contribute whatever you can– and then GET A FULL REFUND for any amount up to $75 per person. If you make smaller donations, save your receipts and submit them together— this is a one-time refund per person. Each member of a couple can get the full $75 refund.
After donating atVoteBlueMN.org, just print and fill the following document and send it in with your receipt. The address is on the form.
Email Updates and Submissions Newsletters and other Emails from SD31 DFL will typically be sent out on Monday or Tuesday, once or twice a month. If you have an item to share, please submit it by noon on Friday to info@VoteBlueMN.org
We also welcome longer items for our website if you have articles, blogs, or letters that you would like to share! Check the site out at VoteBlueMN.org.
_______________________________
As always, THANK YOU for all the work you are doing to help prevent tyranny in our country, and to make this state and country better. Please stay connected!
Greetings DFL Friends— It is Business Meeting Conference Time! Every year our local Senate District has a Business Meeting Conference/Convention, with different tasks for even-numbered years and odd-numbered years. This year we elect officers for the 2025-2026 cycle. See below for the Invite material— but PLAN TO ATTEND on TUESDAY APRIL 8!
Also check out our next Movie night— March 28— when we will get a break from all the pain and enjoy the heartfelt comedy of Mike Birbiglia!
Then read on for other events, alerts, and links.
___________________________________________________________________________ MOVIE NIGHT and Potluck this FRIDAY March 28!
We are aiming for a little relief and happiness this month— and have selected a comedy routine by the amazing Mike Birbiglia— “The Old Man and the Pool.” As before, we will gather at the Andover Community Center in the Teem Room. The potlucks have been working well, so that is the plan again this month— bring a dish or dessert to share, or come as you are! No worries, there is always plenty to go around. Please sign up by Thursday, March 27th so we can get a count on the number of people to expect. And remember we depend on small voluntary donations— we appreciate it if you are able to help. Mobilize Link:
What: COMEDY: Mike Birbiglia— The Old Man and the Pool Date: Friday, March 28, 2025 Time: Meet at 5:30PM for the potluck. Movie starts at 6:00PM Location: Andover Community Center, Teem Room 15200 Hanson Blvd. NW, Andover, MN 55304 Enter using door #13 located on the NE corner of the building
LOCAL Senate District Conference/Business Conference
Tuesday, April 8, 2025
All Democrats who live in our District are welcome at the conferenceto attend and to run for any of the open offices for the next 2-year cycle.
This conference/meeting will be the kick-off for the political activities of this critical year. If you only come to one DFL meeting this year, make this the one!
Official voting Delegates were elected in 2024, and will receive a separate invitation. Even if you are not an official Delegate, we hope you will attend and will consider serving as a district officer.
Open Positions include:
Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, Treasurer, and Outreach & Inclusion Officer. There are also open positions for Director. The SD31 Constitution will be reviewed, and resolutions will be considered.
Please respond to this email (to info@VoteBlueMN.org) if you wish to be considered for one of these positions, or contact us at the same email if you have questions.
Date:Tuesday, April 8, 2025 Time: 6:00 pm: Registration begins 6:30 pm: Meeting starts —(meeting expected to take 90 minutes- 2 hours) Place: Andover Community Center
Community Room A
15200 Hanson Blvd NW, Andover, MN 55304
Accommodations: If you will need accessibility accommodations for the conference, please contact: Vice Chair Leslie Pendergast at (763)442-8986.
“Donald Trump and Elon Musk think this country belongs to them. They’re taking everything they can get their hands on, and daring the world to stop them. On Saturday, April 5th, we’re taking to the streets nationwide to fight back with a clear message: Hands off!”
A major national protest will take place in Washington DC. There will also be marches in every state capital, including St Paul.
“Indivisible National along with many other civic organizations has designated April 5th HANDS OFF DAY! Many of you will be heading to the state Capitol, but others will have an opportunity to rally a little closer to home!
Once you’ve registered, the location will be emailed to you.
We’ll make some signs, but please feel free to bring your own. We’re focusing on the theme of “HANDS OFF __”! Some ideas: PUBLIC EDUCATION, VETERANS’ BENEFITS, OUR JOBS, PUBLIC LANDS, HEALTHCARE, MEDICAID, MEDICARE, SOCIAL SECURITY, OUR LABOR UNIONS, IMMIGRANT FAMILIES, OUR LGBTQ+ COMMUNITIES, OUR ENVIRONMENT, OUR DEMOCRACY, UKRAINE, PANAMA, GREENLAND, MEXICO, CANADA, NATO….” Register here: https://mobilize.us/s/EEfhiu
This is a national mass activation in defiance of the Trump-Musk billionaire takeover and the Republican assault on our freedoms and our communities. Hands Off! is an all-in moment for the pro-democracy, pro-worker movement—a demand, a warning, and a rallying cry that responds to the primary reasons for our mobilization:
• Trump and Musk are attempting an illegal power grab is a crisis we must stop. • Trump, Musk, and congressional Republicans are gutting services, raising prices, and racing towards slashing Medicaid, Social Security, and more. • Trump, Musk, and congressional Republicans are on this path of destruction for the benefit of their billionaire allies.
Whether you are mobilized by the attacks on our democracy, the slashing of jobs, the invasion of privacy, or the assault on our services—this moment is for you. We’ll be part of a massive, visible, national rejection of this crisis. Our goal is to show that the people—the majority—are taking action to stop the corruption and power grab.
Bring your signs, and meet us for this inspiring, peaceful, and mobilizing show of solidarity.
DON’T FORGET our other regular weekly and monthly SD31 meetings:Weekly: DFL Coffee Break Every Saturday in March Starbucks in Andover Target on Bunker Lk Blvd 8:30-11:00 AM Monthly: SD31 DFL Social and Business Meeting These meetings are as much about getting together for mutual support as they are for business. So please brave the elements and come out to join your friends! Time: 6:00 pm Social / 6:30 pm call to order
Place: Andover Community Center — Community Room A
Next regular meeting (after the conference): May 13, 2025
PROTEST EMMER AND MUSK EVERY TUESDAY AND SATURDAY
at Emmer’s Otsego office— organized by Indivisible North Metro
ATTEND SCHOOL BOARD MEETINGS — ST FRANCIS AND ANOKA-HENNEPIN Anoka-Hennepin School Board Meetings
Work Sessions— 4th Mondays, 5:30 pm Education Services Center, 2727 Ferry St, Anoka. Next Regular Board Meetings: Mar 24, April 28, May 27
Regular School Board Meetings— Mondays, 6:30 pm, Sandburg Ed. Center, Anoka 1902 2nd Ave. Next Work Sessions: Apr 14, May 12.
Work Sessions allow for observation only but we need people to watch what is happening! Major decisions are often made in these meetings, without a written record. We need observers to help keep the Board accountable, especially in this critical Budget period.
St Francis School Board Meetings
2nd and 4th Mondays
6:30 PM
Community Room, District Office
4115 Ambassador Boulevard NW, St Francis MN 55070
Next Meetings: March 24, April 14, April 28, May 12
Check out the “FIGHTING OLIGARCHY TOUR” https://berniesanders.com/oligarchy/ The tour started on February 21 in Omaha, Nebraska, and has visited Wisconsin, Colorado, Nevada, and Arizona. Bernie Sanders has been joined by Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) in several sites. They have been visiting places that voted for Joe Biden in 2020 but for Republican House candidates in 2024.
The message: The Oligarchs who want to run our lives have wealth over $200 billion each, while 60% of families live paycheck to paycheck, and 85 million in the US live without adequate health insurance. Just short of a million people are homeless in this, the so-called richest country on earth.
“The oligarchs’ nightmare is that we will not allow ourselves to be divided up by race, religion, sexual orientation or country of origin, and will together have the courage to take them on.”
Contribute to SD31-DFL and get a REFUND before the legislature takes it away!
The cycle has started again for 2025, and is being threatened in the legislature this year: Contribute whatever you can to SD31 DFL– GET A FULL REFUND for any amount up to $75 per person. After donating at VoteBlueMN.org, just go to this site to find, print, and fill the following document— then send it in with your receipt: ________________________________________________________
Email Updates and Submissions Newsletters and other Emails from SD31 DFL will typically be sent out on Monday or Tuesday, but only if there is new information or announcements that need to be sent as reminders. And more often during the lead-up to the election. If you have an item to share, please submit it by noon on Friday to info@VoteBlueMN.org
We also welcome longer items for our website if you have articles, blogs, or letters that you would like to share! Check the site out at VoteBlueMN.org.
As always, Thanks for your efforts and PLEASE stay connected at the movies, our conference, protests, and all the other ways we can support each other and this state and country.
A Good Economy for Working Families— Fighting Hatred and Racism— Liberty and Justice for ALL, Including Health Care, Women’s rights and reproductive freedom— Taking care of our Home– the Earth
Our Moral Guideposts:
Love Your Neighbor— Truth, Justice and Compassion— Non-Violence— Showing up to Do Your Part
Greetings DFL Friends and Happy Almost-Spring! Please take a quick look at events that are almost here– one is tomorrow night–then come back for reminders of other events and links that stretch into March…
URGENT ACTION ALERT for EVENTS:
Meet the Candidates for State DFL Leadership– Right here in Coon Rapids– TOMORROW, TUESDAY 2/25! Who will follow Ken Martin? Join DFL friends for a meet and greet for the statewide DFL party candidates on Tuesday February 25th at Alloy Brewing Company starting at 7PM. 2700 Coon Rapids Blvd Coon Rapids, MN 55433. This is a partnership with CD3 and we’re really excited to show all our current and potential DFL officers the energy we have in Anoka County and how much swing districts matter. Please show up and bring your enthusiasm and your questions. Looking forward to seeing everyone there!
Protest Emmer and Musk at the TOWN HALL MEETING Wednesday February 26! Town Halls are erupting all over the country. Now we have one in our backyard. Indivisible North Metro has teamed up with Indivisible Wright to set up this meeting and have invited Tom Emmer to urge him to stop supporting Musk and Trump’s illegal actions– this Wednesday night. EVEN IF EMMER DOES NOT SHOW UP, YOU CAN! Wednesday February 26th 6:30-8:30 pm in Monticello. From Indivisible: “We have invited Rep. Emmer, who hasn’t scheduled a Town Hall during this current recess, so we’re hosting the event. He may or may not attend, but we want to pack the house so we can demonstrate we have many concerns with our federal government and want answers from our representative. Questions will be read during the event, and submitted to Rep. Emmer if he doesn’t attend. The media will also be invited so we need as many as possible to attend! Please follow this link to register and share this with other CD6 residents:” https://mobilize.us/s/WuXkvG
Join other DFL’ers for a relaxing Movie Night this FRIDAY Feb 28!
This will be our third Movie Night hosted by SD31 and SD35. Again, we will be gathering at the Andover Community Center in the Teem Room. We will have a potluck dinner so plan to bring a dish or dessert to share. No worries if you don’t, there is always plenty to go around. Please sign up by Thursday, February 27th so we can get a count on the number of people to expect. Also, we do have to pay a small fee to cover the cost of renting the room and we will accept any donations if you are able to make them– but don’t worry, just be sure to show up, no strings attached!
The movie this month is titled “Stonebreakers”. It chronicles the conflicts around monuments that arose in the U.S. during the George Floyd protests and the 2020 election. As statues of Columbus, Confederates and Founding Fathers fall, a nation’s triumphalist myths are called into question. The film interrogates the link between history and political action in a nation that must confront its past now more urgently than ever. Mobilize Link: https://mobilize.us/s/OhJpIX
What: MOVIE: Stonebreakers Date: Friday, February 28, 2025 Time: Meet at 5:30PM for the potluck. Movie starts at 6:00PM Location: Andover Community Center, Teem Room 15200 Hanson Blvd. NW, Andover, MN 55304 Enter using door #13 located on the NE corner of the building
Don’t forget our Weekly and Monthly SD31 Meetings:
Weekly: DFL Coffee Break Every Saturday in March Starbucks in Andover Target on Bunker Lk Blvd 8:30-11:00 AM
Monthly: SD31 DFL Social and Business Meeting These meetings are as much about getting together for mutual support as they are for business. So please brave the elements and come out to join your friends! 6:00 pm Social / 6:30 pm call to order Andover Community Center — TEEN ROOM for this Month only– Same room as Movie Night. Agenda to follow
END OLIGARCHY. FIGHT FOR WORKING FAMILIES Please follow Bernie Sanders and his “Tour to Fight Oligarchy.”
https://www.democracynow.org/2025/2/14/headlines/bernie_sanders_launches_national_tour_to_fight_oligarchy https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/bernie-sanders-launches-tour-to-fight-oligarchy-here-s-where-he-s-going/ar-AA1yZqFX The tour started on February 21 in Omaha, Nebraska. Sanders is looking to visit “working class” districts that former President Joe Biden won in the 2020 election, but Republican House members took in 2024. He also spoke out on the Senate floor about oligarchs on February 11. The Vermont senator, like many of his counterparts, described Musk’s recent actions with DOGE to “dismantle government agencies” as “illegal” and “unconstitutional.” “In my opinion, what Musk and those around him are aggressively striving for is not novel. It is not complicated, and it is not new. It is what ruling classes throughout history have always wanted and have always believed is theirs by right: more power, more control and more wealth,” Sanders said in the almost nine-and-a-half-minute video. “They don’t want ordinary people—that’s you—and democracy getting in their way.”and more wealth,” Sanders said in the almost nine-and-a-half-minute video. “They don’t want ordinary people—that’s you—and democracy getting in their way.”
Oligarchs vs. Workers Oligarchs: Musk’s wealth – $402 billion Zuckerberg’s wealth – $252 billion Bezos’ wealth – $249 billion Workers: 60% live paycheck to paycheck 85 million uninsured or underinsured 800k homeless
End Oligarchy. Fight for working families. Sen. Bernie Sanders: “The oligarchs’ nightmare is that we will not allow ourselves to be divided up by race, religion, sexual orientation or country of origin, and will together have the courage to take them on.”
And keep checking our ever-changing home website, VoteBlueMN.org Here are some of the good things you can find there:
On our Home Page: Keep writing to our Representatives! Check out State-level Connections for Bahr, Niska & Scott as well as Smith, Klobuchar, and Emmer
On our page “Posts, Blogs & Links:” See the new post on “Why do they hate America?”– why MAGA only pretend to be patriots Also: Help Stop the Misnamed “SAVE” Act Don’t Change the School Board Election timing Do Not Defund Our Communities– NO on HR- 32
On our Calendar Page: MOVIE NIGHT– Friday, February 28, 5:30 pm
Contribute to SD31-DFL and get a REFUND
The cycle has started again for 2025: Contribute whatever you can to SD31 DFL– GET A FULL REFUND for any amount up to $75 per person. After donating atVoteBlueMN.org, just go to this site to find, print, and fill the following document— then send it in with your receipt: ________________________________________________________
Email Updates and Submissions Newsletters and other Emails from SD31 DFL will typically be sent out on Monday or Tuesday, but only if there is new information or announcements that need to be sent as reminders. And more often during the lead-up to the election. If you have an item to share, please submit it by noon on Friday to info@VoteBlueMN.org
We also welcome longer items for our website if you have articles, blogs, or letters that you would like to share! Check the site out at VoteBlueMN.org.
As always, Thanks for your efforts and PLEASE stay connected as we figure out next steps.
3 Things 1 Person Can Do
Write your Senators & Representative!
Help resist Book Ban and radical right wing book control in St Francis!
Gather with us Tuesday night, Feb 11
________________________
Greetings, DFL Friends– What can one person do? It seems overwhelming at times. In this issue we have 3 specific ideas for you for this week. Don’t let the flurry of news make you give up. “Non Carborundum Illegitimi”!
____________________________
Write you Senators and Representative!
One thing we can be doing is to send emails or call our Senators and Representative. Here is contact info, and below is a copy of an example letter that was sent recently to each of them, just to give you ideas. Please use your own words! Some say that calls are the best route, but recently the capitol switchboards are overwhelmed. Using the MN numbers may work better. So find your way, but send a message every week if you can. And our DFL Senators need to be reminded to do the right thing, and not cave in at this critical time…
Senator Amy Klobuchar:
DC: 202-224-3244 MN: 612-727-5220
https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/contact
Senator Tina Smith:
DC: 202-224-5641 MN: 651-221-1016
https://www.smith.senate.gov/share-your-opinion/
Representative Tom Emmer (CD-6):
DC: 202-224-3121 (US House Switchboard) MN: 763-241-6848
https://emmer.house.gov/contact/authenticated?zipcode=55304&plusFour=&httpref=https%3A%2F%2Femmer.house.gov%2F#form_858AE9DF-94AD-456A-824C-5E67A6237CB
Example Letter– but find your own words– especially about your age etc! I am writing as a citizen of your district to implore you to do everything in your power to Support and Defend the Constitution of the United States— against all enemies foreign and domestic—and to protect the rule of law in this country. I am 72 years old and have seen this country go from the Cold War through to today. It breaks my heart to see our country’s foundation, the Constitution, being shredded. Please stop the power grab by unelected Elon Musk. Please protect our valiant patriotic FBI and CIA agents, who are a part of that thin blue line and deserve our protection. Please work to prevent us from getting into new wars and land grabs. Please protect my Social Security and Medicare. Yours Sincerely—
______________________________________
Help resist Book Ban and radical right wing book control in St Francis! This is from a post by a St. Francis teacher on Indivisible North Metro’s Facebook page: St. Francis Area Schools Booklooks Ban —
Contact School Board Prior to the new board taking their seats! School board members passed a policy update that uses booklooks.org as the primary decision maker on books that are allowed in our district libraries and classrooms. This is a first in the nation decision by a school board to outsource this decision making. This decision took much of the conversation of books out of the hands of local decision makers, including school board and district staff. Education Minnesota St. Francis has been working hard with a coalition to bring forward a lawsuit that would rectify this terrible decision. We could use community support, especially parents contacting the school board to tell them to overturn the decision to include booklooks.org as the decision maker and restore power to the local authority, School Board. While we may not 100% like school board being the decision makers on this, it is important factor to keeping our school’s community strength. If you would please consider sending them an email we would greatly appreciate it. Right now we’re hearing that school board doesn’t want to talk about it because they think it needs to just go away. That is an unacceptable solution. Our kids deserve better conversation around what materials are available to them. These decisions should not be made from some outside group, of which our staff, students and community have no say in the outcome of their decisions. #ourschoolourlibrariesourbooks
Here is an example letter, authored by our Co-Chair, Alyson: As a resident of the St. Francis School District, a retired public educator, and a grandmother of a student in your school I am writing to express my concern with the school board’s decision to rely on BookLooks.org for decisions on which books to keep or purchase in our schools libraries and classrooms. Although BookLooks.org states it it not affiliated with any particular group, my online research has shown that its founders, Emily and Jonathan Maikisch, have been affiliated with Mom’s for Liberty in Florida. Mom’s for Liberty is an ultra-conservative group which has been in the forefront for banning books they find objectionable in schools throughout the US. I urge you to trust our library professionals and educators regarding our students’ access to books in our schools. Our school district should not be relying on a website which has a conservative political agenda to determine which books are “appropriate” for our students.
Remember the Anoka Hennepin School District is facing similar challenges– check our website for meeting dates & times.
______________________________________
Gather with us Tuesday night, Feb 11!
Our monthly gatherings have moved– we now meet every month on the second Tuesday of each month. These meetings are as much about getting together for mutual support as they are for business. So please brave the cold and come out to join your friends!
6:00 pm Social / 6:30 pm call to order
Andover Community Center — Community Room A– First Floor
AGENDA: Preliminary Business. 6:30
Introductions
Approve Minutes & Agenda
Officer Reports 6:35
Vice Chairs/ Treasurer/ Secretary/ Communications/ Outreach – NN update
State Central Comm Reps
Allied Group Reports 6:45
Anoka County DFL Anoka County Senior Caucus CD6/ CD3/ CD8
Priority/Action Items 6:55
Fundraising – Cinco de Mayo Update – Mel
Current crisis we are experiencing from the Trump administration
Summary of Indivisible Zoom Session with Senators Klobuchar and Smith (see notes below to pre- read)
Summary of Zoom Sessions “Understanding and Overcoming the Urban-Rural Divide”
The Rural New Deal—— find the brief document and the accompanying Rural New Deal Users Guide here:https://ruralurbanbridge.org/
Communtiy Works—-Read about it here: https://ruralurbanbridge.org/our-work/community-works
Other Business 7:45
Old Business Updates
New Business
Announcements & Open Forum 7:55
Adjourn 8:00
_______________________
Summary of Indivisible Zoom Session with Senators Klobuchar and Smith on 5 February:
Indivisible groups in the Metro area organized an event for members to meet at our MN senators’ Minnesota offices Tuesday Feb. 4. This was requested by Indivisible National as a way to let our voices be heard about our concerns with Trump’s Executive Orders as well as Musk getting access to the Treasury Department. A virtual event was created to include the senators’ Minnesota staff who could hear our concerns and field questions. Within a matter of hours, the Zoom event was expanded to include statewide attendance and the maximum capacity of 1000 was quickly reached. On Wednesday, Feb. 5 from 11-noon, the virtual event was held, and both Senator Klobuchar and Senator Smith spoke at the beginning of the hour. They left to attend to their jobs while their chiefs of staff in Washington remained to answer questions. Here’s a summary of some of what was discussed.
Key takeaways: —personal stories of how last week’s budget freeze or any other executive action directly affected you or someone you know are critically important for lawsuits. Share these stories with the Senators and/or Attorney General Elisson. —Authoritarians use the strategy of overwhelming the public with many actions, exactly s Trump is currently doing. Don’t give up. Find what you feel you can do to make a difference and focus on that one issue vs being overwhelmed with everything.
—We need to hold Republicans accountable. Republican representatives in “purple” or “blue” areas will be more open to going against actions if they hear from large numbers of constituents. Republicans are needed to join with Democrats to combat Trump so it’s critical to try find those who might be swayed by large numbers of constituents contacting them. —We all need to find ways to let those who voted for Trump know how they will be adversely affected by what Trump is doing. Specific results they didn’t vote for, but are now happening and will hurt them. Senator Klobuchar was on Fox News so she could highlight specific issues for that audience. How can we do this locally? —Directly connecting those being chosen by Trump to head departments to Project 2025, which was not popular with the majority of Americans.
—Senators are using the entire 30 hours of discussion on nominees to slow down the process and highlight the negatives about those nominees. Starting sometime today they will take the floor and by sharing time, hold the floor all night until sometime late tomorrow. —Can Elon Musk be held legally accountable for illegally accessing financial data? Yes, but if it gets to the Supreme Court it’s unknown what might happen with the right wingers there. —Entire Senate phone system had problems recently because of the high number of calls per minute! Good problem to have, but it is being worked on now. Calling gives you the most immediate response, but emails also looked at and responded to. —In response to the question “Can we set up regular Town Hall meetings like this one?” both staff members said yes. It looks like something will be figured out so that there is a regular opportunity to connect with the Senators and/or their staff during this crisis.
___________________________________
As always, Thanks for your efforts and PLEASE stay connected as we figure out next steps.
SD31 Communications
info@VoteBlueMN.org
Our Core Values:
A Good Economy for Working Families
Fighting Hatred and Racism
Liberty and Justice for ALL
Including Health Care, Women’s rights and reproductive freedom
Taking care of our Home– the Earth
Our Moral Guideposts:
Love Your Neighbor
Truth, Justice and Compassion
Non-Violence
Showing up to Do Your Part
And oh yeah, in case they forgot:
The Constitution of the United States of America!
It is a hard time of the year for many reasons— all this cold (high of -8 predicted for tomorrow as this is written)— but especially the tectonic political shift that is upon us. It is hard to know how best to prepare for the next 4 years. But we know we need to stick together, and to resist where we can— not randomly, but where it can make a difference.
So check out our weekly coffee breaks, come to our monthly meetings, write letters to editors, get involved in our Neighborhood Network. Or pitch in any way you can to help make our community a better place. Like it or not, we are in this for the long haul!
January-February Events
** Mark your calendars: Our monthly meeting has moved to the SECOND TUESDAY of each month for 2025. See details below.
** Movie Night Returns January 31 with a Potluck in January!
We are bringing back a favorite event from earlier last year— monthly movie night, joining with our friends from SD35. We will start in January with a potluck to watch the inspiring movie PRIDE, which is a historical comedy-drama film based on a true story, about a group of lesbian and gay activists who raised money to help families affected by the British miners’ strike in 1984, at the outset of what would become the Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners campaign— a fun reminder of what can be done through solidarity!
This year we are expanding to add snacks and whatever you may wish to bring for a potluck dinner. We will have more details about the food as we get closer to the event. To sign up for the event please click the link below. This helps us with planning. If you do not get registered, no problem, you are still invited to come.
Movie nights will be on the last Friday of each month in 2025
Mobilize Link: https://www.mobilize.us/2024mnvictory/event/746497/
Time: Gather at 5:30 to 5:45 PM; Movie starts promptly at 6:00 pm
Place: Andover Community Center— Teen Room
Date: Friday, January 31
Download
DFL SD31 Neighborhood Network Events (See below for details):
Every Saturday Morning— SD31 DFL Coffee Break 08:30-11:00 am
Saturday, January 25—Neighborhood Network Rally and Letter Mailing Campaign 9am- 3 pm
Both events at Starbucks in Andover Target, 2000 Bunker Lake Blvd
Saturday, February 15: Neighborhood Network Informational Meeting–12:30 PM
Rum River Library, 4201 6th Ave, Anoka
Thursday, January 23— Friends of the Boundary Waters Day at the Capitol Minnesota’s wilderness treasure faces an unprecedented threat. President Trump has promised to roll back crucial clean water protections and open the Superior National Forest to copper-sulfide mining. The time for Minnesotans to unite and act for the Boundary Waters is now. Join us on January 23 for Boundary Waters Day at the Capitol. This is a chance to talk to your representatives and to be part of a movement to build a strong, state-wide defense against the federal government’s overreach. Never been involved in advocacy before? Don’t worry! We’ll provide everything you need to get ready to meet with your representative! Your personal connection to Minnesota’s wilderness is what matters most, and we’ll give you all the tools you need to effectively share your story with legislators. The Boundary Waters has survived for generations because Minnesotans have always stood up to defend it. Now it’s our turn. Join us in showing that the protection of clean water and our wilderness heritage isn’t a partisan issue – it’s a Minnesota value. Register Now
Tuesday February 11— SD31 DFL Monthly Meeting Place: Andover Community Center— Community Room A (DOWNSTAIRS!) Date: Tuesday, February 11 and March 11 2025 Time: 6:00 pm Social Gathering, 6:30-8:00 pm business meeting
Anoka-Hennepin School Board Meetings Work Sessions– Mondays, 5:30 pm Education Services Center, 2727 Ferry St, Anoka. Regular School Board Meetings— Mondays, 6:30 pm, Sandburg Ed. Center, Anoka 1902 2nd Ave.
Work Sessions allow for observation only but we need people to watch what is happening! Major decisions are often made in these meetings, without a written record. We need observers to help keep the Board accountable, especially in this critical Budget period. Next Regular Board Meetings: Jan 27, Feb 24 Next Work Sessions: Feb 10, March 3
Neighborhood Network News
We had a big year in 2024. Our network grew by leaps and bounds, thanks to the efforts of many of you. Now we face a challenging political landscape in 2025… so please join us for weekly Coffee Breaks on Saturdays, and one or both of our 2 big upcoming events!
Every Saturday Morning— SD31 DFL Coffee Break 08:30-11:00 am Starbucks in Andover Target, 2000 Bunker Lake Blvd For DFLers looking for politically compatible company. We just get together, talk over events, relax, and get re-energized to face another week. Drop in, stay as long as you like, and see what we are all about. Charlie is usually there. Saturdays— January 25, February 1, 8, 15, 22
Saturday, January 25
Neighborhood Network Rally and Letter Mailing Campaign This will be the first of 5 big campaigns for 2025. We are banding together, organizing for the chaos that is coming. First, we want to strengthen and improve our local government and school boards. Second, we want to prepare for the next election cycle by connecting with voters who think like we do. Third, we want to support other good people whoa re doing good things for our communities. And lastly, we want to keep Minnesota headed in the right direction by prompting and electing high quality representatives.
You can help us! Address and mail 20-30 letters to help move our community and state toward an even kinder and more sensible way of life.
We will prepare a packet for you and have it ready for pickup. You take the packet, sign the letters, address the envelopes, and put them in the mail. THAT’S IT! These letters help DFL-minded people in your neighborhood know about what we are doing, and how they can help. Starbucks inside Andover Target on Bunker Lake Blvd 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM Saturday, Jan 25, 2025
Saturday, February 15 Neighborhood Network Informational Meeting Come to Our Neighborhood Network Informational Meeting! Let’s talk about… 1. How can we get better healthcare, more vacation time, and higher pay for people who have to work for a living? 2. What do we need to do to strengthen and improve our local government? It is just 12 months before candidates start their campaigns and we want to keep Minnesota moving forward for working people and their families. To learn more about our SD31 DFL Neighborhood Network project and our aim to improve life in Minnesota’s State Senate District 31, please attend a Special Informational Meeting on: Date: February 15, 2025 Time: 12:30 PM Location: Rum River Library, 4201 6th Ave, Anoka Join us to help make a difference.
Take our Survey: Obviously the Democrats on the National level need some advice and we want to give it to them. We want to let them know what we think is most important. That’s where you come in. Click the link below and tell us which policies you most want them to address by taking our DFL National Policy Survey and picking the issues that are most important to you. Then check back to see the results in a couple weeks: https://dflneighborhoodnetwork.net/survey/
Upcoming Event: Democracy Fair (Community Resources Event) This will be our second annual event, bringing together many different advocacy and community groups from our area. The event is in the planning stages, so stay tuned and “Come see Good People Doing Good Things”!
Winter Clothing Donations STILL Needed We keep having spells of deep cold, and there continues to be an urgent need for warm winter clothing for unhoused and underserved Native Minnesotans from aid groups that Ellen Hadley (of SD35 DFL) works with. Gifts will benefit residents of Four Winds Treatment Center in Brainerd, the CHUM Center in Duluth, and Nenookaasi Aid for unhoused people in Minneapolis. These groups do outreach on the streets of Duluth and Minneapolis every day, and the warm gear that is donated will help save lives, literally. The needs are mostly for men, but also women, and include the following items:
Warm jackets and snowmobile suits
Snow pants, Long underwear, Warm socks, sweaters, flannel shirts
Boots, Belts
Mittens and gloves, Hand and toe warmers, Hats and scarves
Folks from SD35 can arrange to pick them up at your homes. They will arrange to transport items to the volunteers who get them to our Indigenous neighbors in need. Call Ellen Hadley at 763-227-9361 to arrange pick up.
Email Updates and Submissions Newsletters and other Emails from SD31 DFL will typically be sent out Monthly on a Monday or Tuesday, with updates more often for special events, or if there are new announcements that need to be sent. If you have an item to share, please submit it by noon on Friday to info@VoteBlueMN.org
We also welcome longer items for our website if you have articles, blogs, or letters that you would like to share! Check the site out at VoteBlueMN.org.
THANK YOU for the energy to move forward despite the fears and frustrations we all face. In whatever ways we can, we all need to keep working for a country where EVERYBODY COUNTS and No One is left behind… We need to keep speaking for working families, for those in need, for those without a voice. Step by Step, Always Together, Always Forward.
Friends— Warm Holiday Wishes! First, a quick look at upcoming events— and then further on, a few thoughts about the old year transitioning to the new one…
Read on for…
New Look for Our Websites
December Events
New Dates and Times for 2025 (Movie Night Jan 31!)
Winter Clothing Donations Needed
Links Worth Checking Out
NEW LOOK FOR OUR WEBSITES First, MANY THANKS to Mark Lopez for all his work helping SD31 DFL get started with our website after re-districting! After 4 years, Mark has a number of new activities, and lives in another district— and he has passed the torch to Charlie Baarsch and our Communications group.
We are now in the process of making some updates to the two websites we sponsor. We hope that these sites will become active hubs where people check in frequently for new information. Please be sure to checkout our sites several times in the next few weeks: VoteBlueMN.org
dflneighborhoodnerwork.net
DECEMBER EVENTS We will not have a general meeting in December, but there are still a few important events before the end of the year:
Saturday Morning SD31 DFL Coffee Break 08:30-11:00 am
Starbucks in Andover Target, 2000 Bunker Lake Blvd
For DFLers looking for politically compatible company. We just get together, talk over events, relax, and get re-energized to face another week. Drop in, stay as long as you like, and see what we are all about. Charlie is usually there.
Saturdays— December 14, 21 and 28 and January 4 and 11
December 16, Monday
Anoka County DFL Holiday Party Potluck
6 pm 12/06/2024
Betsy O’Berry’s House
8701 160th Ct NW, Ramsey MN 55303
NEW DATES AND TIMES FOR 2025 Mark your Calendars for our new meeting times and other events:
** Movie Night Returns with a Potluck in January!**
We are bringing back a favorite event from earlier last year— monthly movie night, joining with our friends from SD35. We will start in January with a potluck to watch the inspiring movie Pride, about the real events when LGBTQ folks joined with coal miners in a major strike in the UK— a fun reminder of what can be done through solidarity!
Movie nights will be on the last Friday of each month in 20252025
Place: Andover Community Center— Teen Room
Date: Friday, January 31
Time: 530-830 PM
SD31 DFL General Monthly Meeting Shifts to TUESDAYS
Our regular monthly meetings will move to Tuesdays in 2025— the second Tuesday of each month.
Place: Andover Community Center— Community Room A (DOWNSTAIRS!)
Date: Tuesday, January 14, 2025
Time: 6:00 pm Social Gathering, 6:30-8:00 pm business meeting
Anoka-Hennepin School Board Meetings
Work Sessions-– Mondays, 5:30 pm Education Services Center, 2727 Ferry St, Anoka.
Regular School Board Meetings— Mondays, 6:30 pm, Sandburg Ed. Center, Anoka 1902 2nd Ave.
Work Sessions allow for observation only but we need people to watch what is happening! Major decisions are often made in these meetings, without a written record. We need observers to help keep the Board accountable, especially in this critical Budget period.
Next Regular Board Meetings: Jan 13, Jan 27, Feb 24
January 8 we will have Representative Ginny Klevom, the chair of the State Legislative Task Force on Aging. We will also hold elections for officers – Chair, Vice chair, Secretary and Treasurer and any other officer we believe we need.
Place: Perkins in Blaine— 12545 Ulysses St NE
Date: January 8
Time: Order food— 11:30 AM; Meeting starts: 1:00 PM
MN Legislature Session Begins
The next session of the MN Legislature begins on Tuesday, January 14.
The schedule calls for the legislature to finish its work by Monday, May 20.
WINTER CLOTHING DONATIONS NEEDED
There has been a request for warm winter clothing for unhoused and underserved Native Minnesotans from aid groups that Ellen Hadley (of SD35 DFL) works with. Gifts will benefit residents of Four Winds Treatment Center in Brainerd, the CHUM Center in Duluth, and Nenookaasi Aid for unhoused people in Minneapolis. These groups do outreach on the streets of Duluth and Minneapolis every day, and the warm gear that is donated will help save lives, literally.
The needs are mostly for men, but also women, and include the following items:
Warm jackets and snowmobile suits
Snow pants, Long underwear, Warm socks, sweaters, flannel shirts
Boots, Belts
Mittens and gloves, Hand and toe warmers, Hats and scarves
Folks from SD35 can arrange to pick up items at your homes. They will arrange to transport items to the volunteers who get them to our Indigenous neighbors in need. Call Ellen Hadley at 763-227-9361 to arrange pick up.
LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT
In this newsletter we aim to be uplifting, as far as we can within the limits of reality! Right now it is hard to find items that fit the bill. And of course we need to stay alert to know what is happening— not only in the US but in places like Ukraine and Syria. Expect to see more of those in 2025. But here is one especially good link from Heather Cox Richardson, about a black serviceman who saved others and then paid the ultimate price for Democracy and against fascism on December 7, 1941:
“When America came under attack before, people like Doris Miller refused to let that happen. For all that American democracy still discriminated against him, it gave him room to stand up for the concept of human equality—and he laid down his life for it.”
A little good news—as of December 12, we have passed the earliest sunset of the year— the sun will set later each day after that! Ironically, we wait until January 6 for our latest sunrises, when the sun starts to rise earlier each day again.
We are closing in on the end of a very strange and difficult year. Yet despite the many awful outcomes of the November election, in SD31 we have drawn together and worked hard to be sure that progressive voices are heard in our community. We have discovered new candidates who help carry this message forward (Thanks once more to Dara, Gadisa, Betsy, and Mike!). Our Neighborhood Network has flourished under Charlie’s innovative leadership, showing us that there are more progressives and liberals out here in SD31 than any of us imagined— Good People, Doing Good Things!
As we await the unfolding of the new year in 2025, and prepare ourselves mentally to resist the worst that will be coming our way, let’s all recharge with family and friends, and celebrate this time of year as a time of personal rest and reflection. Let’s find some peace and draw strength from one another.
And let’s remember our shared values, the values that unite us in this work, that we repeat at the end of every newsletter— the values that we will need to guide us in the coming year:
Love Your Neighbor
Truth, Justice and Compassion
Non-Violence
Showing up to Do Your Part
We hope you have a warm and restful Holiday Season!
Your Editor,
Peter
And the whole SD31 DFL Communications team
Contribute to SD31-DFL and get a REFUND
The cycle starts again for 2025: Contribute whatever you can to SD31 DFL–
GET A FULL REFUND for any amount up to $75 per person.
After donating atVoteBlueMN.org, just go to this site to find, print, and fill the following document— then send it in with your receipt:
https://cfb.mn.gov/citizen-resources/board-programs/public-subsidy-of-campaigns/political-contribution-refund-program/
Email Updates and Submissions
Newsletters and other Emails from SD31 DFL will typically be sent out on Monday or Tuesday, but only if there is new information or announcements that need to be sent as reminders. And more often during the lead-up to the election. If you have an item to share, please submit it by noon on Friday to info@VoteBlueMN.org
We also welcome longer items for our website if you have articles, blogs, or letters that you would like to share! Check the site out at VoteBlueMN.org.
THANK YOU for the energy to move forward despite the fears and frustrations we all face. In whatever ways we can we all need to keep working for a country where EVERYBODY COUNTS and No One is left behind… Step by Step, Always Together, Always Forward.
A Good Economy for Working Families Fighting Hatred and Racism Liberty and Justice for ALL— including Women’s Rights and Reproductive Freedom Taking Care of our Home– the Earth
Love Your Neighbor Truth, Justice and Compassion Non-Violence Showing up to Do Your Part
ONE LAST MESSAGE
BEFORE THE BIGGEST ELECTION
OF OUR LIVES!
FINAL DAY OF VOTING:
TUESDAY NOVEMBER 5
Greetings, DFL Friends–
As this is being written, we have 4 days until Election Day. We all are getting pretty anxious by now, with all of the different polls flying around. Fortunately there are a number of good signs and a lot of DFL Folks with optimism out there. But meanwhile the GOP seems to be just getting more racist, misogynist, and violent in their rhetoric.
So all we can do is to keep doing our best, and to be true to our values. Let’s remind others of how important it is to care about honesty, compassion, and decency; and the Constitution and the Rule of Law. None of these should even be up of debate.
It is time for a new chapter in American history, charted by Kamala Harris and Tim Walz. It is time to heal our divisions. And yes, together we must find a new way forward, not back. It is now over to all of us to be sure that is the path we follow. Remember:
WHAT UNITES US IS GREATER THAN WHAT DIVIDES US!
VOTE, AND BE SURE OTHERS DO TOO!
What You Need to Know to Vote/ Rides to the Polls
Watch With Friends Election Night!
Neighborhood Network Celebration Dinner 11/11
This Week & Upcoming Events
SD31 Monthly Meeting Info
Candidate Campaign Links
Open Positions- Andover Commissions
Links You can Use
What You Need to Know to Vote
It is now too late to Vote by mail. Early in-person voting is in progress, and runs through Monday November 4th. Please consider voting early in case something comes up on the final day of voting, “Election Day,” Tuesday November 5th. Please share this information with your friends and family.
You can Register on Election Day— bring your paperwork!
If you are interested in volunteering as a driver, or you are out door knocking and a voter needs a ride, this is good information to know:
Sign up for volunteer drivers: Volunteer drivers can sign up directly for a brief 30 minute training here, or call 651 251 6363 to sign up.
Request a ride for voters: Voters should call our DFL Voter Protection Hotline at 1-833-335-8683 (1-833-DFL-VOTE) to request a ride.
Contact: if you have any other questions, contact Josh Koenig, Deputy Voter Protection Director, at jkoenig@dfl.org or 703 872 9714.
Other: We are still recruiting for bilingual drivers and Hotline workers if you have interested volunteers who speak languages other than English fluently.
WATCH THE ELECTION RESULTS WITH FRIENDS ON NOV 5!
When it has all been said and done…
Join the SD31-DFL Election Night Watch Party – November 5th
Make sure you don’t spend election night alone. Plan to attend an election night party and share the evening with like minded DFLer’s. Join our Local Candidates:
GADISA BERKESSA
DARA GRIMMER
BETSY O’BERRY
SD31 has joined with Betsy O’Berry, County Commissioner candidate, for a watch party that evening at Aurelio’s Pizza. Aurelio’s has really been impacted by the construction on Highway 10 and they are extremely grateful that we are supporting them. Feel free to invite your friends and neighbors.
If you have been involved with the Neighborhood Network this year, we are inviting you and your partner, if any, to a Celebration Dinner honoring the dedicated members and supporters of DFL SD31’s Neighborhood Network project.
Join us as we celebrate the commitment and faithful support that have propelled this project to its remarkable success.
“This special evening will be filled with a happy reflection on this year’s events and accomplishments as we look into next year’s opportunities and challenges. Together, let’s toast to our achievements and look forward to growing our political reach to even greater lengths next year.” Charlie, Carrie, Alyson, and Michael
Special Presentation by: HOPE 4 YOUTH
Date: November 11, 2024 Time: 6:00 pm to place your food order – Meeting starts at 6:30 Location: Davanni’s Coon Rapids Party Room at 3430 129th Ave, Coon Rapids
We look forward to celebrating with you!
Please note: To save our budget for next year’s activities, each of us will be responsible for our own food expenses.
Every Saturday Morning— SD31 DFL Coffee Break 9-11 am
Starbucks in Andover Target, 2000 Bunker Lake Blvd
Next Dates: Oct 12, Oct 19, Oct 26
Future Anoka-Hennepin School Board Meetings:
Work Sessions-– 5:30 pm Education Services Center, 2727 Ferry St, Anoka.
NEXT: 11/4, 11/23, 2/10/2025 Regular School Board Meetings-6:30 pm, Sandburg Ed. Center, Anoka 1902 2nd Ave.
NEXT: 11/25, 12/9, 1/13/2025
Work Sessions allow for observation only but we need people to watch what is happening!
Major decisions are often made in these meetings, without a written record. We need observers to help keep the Board accountable, especially in this critical Budget period.
Also— the Board is seeking non-parent community members for its curriculum council. See this link or call these numbers for more information:
Community Curriculum Advisory Council https://www.ahschools.us/Page/45165
763-506-1063
763-506-1066
763-506-1135
763-506-1162
OPEN POSITIONS ON ANDOVER ZONING AND NATURE PRESERVES COMMISSIONS— PLEASE APPLY!
The City of Andover has openings on their Planning and Zoning Commission and the Nature Preserve Commission. The deadline for these applications is December 13.
These commissions make a big difference in shaping the future of Andover. This is government by the people, at the most basic level. Please consider applying.
There is Still Time to.. HELP OUR TRUMP REMOVAL PROJECT AND GET YOUR REFUND.
Contribute whatever you can to SD31 DFL– This year we must get out the vote to defeat Trump and elect as many democrats as we can.
If you have not already done so, contribute to us and then GET A FULL REFUND for any amount up to $75 per person.
After donating atVoteBlueMN.org, just print and fill the following document and send it in with your receipt. https://mcusercontent.com/5800b7244684e27db110292fa/files/ae2c8d0b-5ac5-5978-6e59-375989558d95/PCR_Application_2024.01.pdf.
SD31 DFL Leadership
Co-Chair: Alyson Gullette
Co-Chair: Leslie Pendergast
Secretary: Wes Volkenant
Treasurer: George Drew
Outreach Officer: Charlie Baarsch
Communications Director: Peter Miller
Email Updates and Submissions
Newsletters and other Emails from SD31 DFL will typically be sent out on Monday or Tuesday, but only if there is new information or announcements that need to be sent as reminders. And more often during the lead-up to the election. If you have an item to share, please submit it by noon on Friday to info@VoteBlueMN.org
We also welcome longer items for our website if you have articles, blogs, or letters that you would like to share! Check the site out at VoteBlueMN.org.
Thank you to everyone who has been working so hard. We need to be proud of all of our efforts to turn us away from the threat of fascism and dictatorship, and to make our communities better. Every action we take helps bring joy back into our lives, and helps build a more unified country where EVERYBODY COUNTS and No One is left behind. Step by Step, Always Together, Always Forward! Especially For the Next 4 days: DO IT NOW!
Our Core Values: A Good Economy for Working Families; Fighting Hatred and Racism; Liberty and Justice for ALL— including Women’s rights and reproductive freedom; Taking care of our Home– the Earth
Our Moral Guideposts: Love Your Neighbor; Truth, Justice and Compassion; Non-Violence; Showing up to Do Your Part
