May 20, 2026
To Resist Tyranny— We Need You Too!
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Category Archives: Action
May 20, 2026
To Resist Tyranny — We Need You Too!
VoteBlueMN.org
sd31dfl@gmail.com
Greetings, DFL Friends—
Bird migration is going strong — spring greenery is at its most intense. And we are down to the final convention, for the state DFL in Rochester 5/29–5/31. From there the summer campaign season will move into high gear.
And there is so much to get active about — high gas prices, an unnecessary war, and unheard-of levels of corruption (Arc de Trump, anyone?).
Meanwhile the GOP and Trump’s Court have been busy stealing votes by eliminating voters (we thought voters were supposed to choose their government, not the other way around!).
SO— even more than ever before, EVERY VOTE counts. Even if a race in SD31 might be hard to win, our district’s votes for Doug Chapin, Amy Klobuchar, and others will help determine the direction of this state and country for the next decade or more. Read on to learn about ways to get connected and involved. We need you too!
First Priority!
Thursday, May 21st – Campaign Volunteer LISTENING Training
Have you ever thought about volunteering for a campaign? Candidates rely on volunteers to help them get out their message during the election season. This session is geared to introduce you to listening at the doors. Listening at the doors is not focused on persuading someone to vote for a candidate, but rather listening to the concerns of people and then capturing that information. People want to be listened to and be heard. If you’re interested in finding out more, plan to attend this session.
Sponsored by SD35; SD31 folks are welcome.
Riverwind Community Center
2701 Northdale Blvd., Coon Rapids 55433, starting at 6:30 PM
And Next!
Tuesday, June 2 – Doug Chapin Town Hall
Government works best when people understand how it works and feel empowered to participate in it.
Join Doug Chapin for an open community conversation focused on civics, public policy, and the real-world impact government decisions have on our daily lives. This Town Hall is designed to be approachable, informative, and interactive. No political insider knowledge required. Just curiosity, questions, and a shared interest in building a stronger community together.
An informed citizenry is the foundation of meaningful change. If you’ve ever wondered how decisions get made, how to make your voice heard, or how to become more engaged locally and nationally, this conversation is for you.
We are ALL ready for better. Step one is showing up. We’ll see you at the town hall!
#FlipThe6th #ReadyForBetter
Environmental Focus: Help Save Migrating Birds— and Your Own Health!
Bird Migration is in full swing, and most birds migrate at night! They need full darkness to be successful. (And btw, humans need good dark to sleep well, a crucial part of human health!)
Lights Out Alert Minnesota (LOAM) is a system to encourage everyone to reduce outdoor lighting on a few of the most critical nights for bird migration over Minnesota.
Above is an example from this weekend.
100’s of millions of birds fly overhead at night during the 3-month spring and fall migrations, but fully half of all bird migration takes place on about 10 incredible nights each season. The Purdue AeroEco Lab creates 3-day bird migration forecasts, and when the migration numbers peak, they send out an alert. By making an extra effort to close our curtains and limit outdoor lighting on these few nights and, ideally every night, and encouraging others to do the same, we can make a real difference in the survival of our Minnesota songbirds.
You can get these alerts by following the link below.
Lights Alert Minnesota is led by MN Bird Coalition. It creates a statewide network of conservation partners, cities, campuses, and organizations to reduce light pollution during migration.
https://www.mnbirdcoalition.org/new-page-35
SD31 District Happenings…
SD31 DFL Monthly Meeting
You are invited! DFL folks gather every month for a combination of sharing news, social support, and a bit of business. Join us to meet with other like-minded progressives. All are welcome — you do not need to hold an office. If you haven’t tried it before, make this month your first time!
We meet:
The second Tuesday of each month
Andover Community Center– Community Room A
6:00 pm Social gathering
, 6:30 pm Business Meeting
Next Meetings: Tuesdays, June 9, July 14
Daily:
10:45 AM – DFL Statewide Phone Call : Sign Up For DFL Comm Calls
Weekly:
Indivisible “Retire Emmer” Protests — Otsego
Tuesdays 4:30 – 5:30 PM
Saturdays 11 AM – Noon.
SD31 Neighborhood Network Coffee Break (Andover & Northern SD31)
Saturdays (weekly), 8:30 -11:00 AM in the Starbucks of the Andover Target
Ramsey DFL Coffee Break
Every 2nd and 4th Saturday, 10am – Noon, inside the Ramsey Coborn’s
Spotlight— Candidate/Volunteer/Issue
Join other Anoka County DFL’ers for a
Picnic and Volunteer Fair at Aquatore Park in Blaine on June 6 from 4 to 7 PM.
This gathering is a great opportunity to connect with fellow community members, enjoy refreshments, and have meaningful conversations about how we can get involved and make a difference. You’ll have the chance to meet candidates, learn about volunteer opportunities with the party and partner organizations, and connect with others who care about building a stronger community.
Whether you are an experienced campaigner or just getting started, you are welcome to join us.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Saturday, June 6
4:00 – 7:00 PM
Aquatore Park, Blaine
Policy Pulse— National—>State —> Local
In light of the frightening resurgence of “Christian” Nationalism (code for a potent mix of racism and sexism), including a big demonstration in Washington DC, it is important to remember the true history of our country — as recently recounted by Heather Cox Richardson:
“But the United States of America was not founded as a Christian nation. The Founders were quite clear about that. In the 1796 Treaty of Tripoli, ratified unanimously by the Senate just a decade after the Constitution went into effect, U.S. leaders said “the government of the United States of America is not in any sense founded on the Christian Religion” and has “no character of enmity against the laws, religion or tranquility of” Muslims. They went on to say that “no pretext arising from religious opinions shall ever produce an interruption of the harmony existing between” the U.S. and Tripoli.
“Thomas Jefferson, the key author of the Declaration of Independence, and James Madison of Virginia, the key thinker behind the Constitution, both wrote explicitly about the importance of keeping the government separate from religion. Jefferson wrote that “religion is a matter which lies solely between Man & his God, that he owes account to none other for his faith or his worship.” “[T]he legitimate powers of government reach actions only,” he wrote, “[and] not [religious] opinions.”
“In 1785, Madison explained that what was at stake in keeping the state and religion separate was not just religion, but also representative government itself. The establishment of one religion over others attacked a fundamental human right —an unalienable right — of conscience. If lawmakers could destroy the right of freedom of conscience, they could destroy all other unalienable rights, including those enumerated in the Declaration of Independence and codified in the Constitution.”
https://heathercoxrichardson.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Check out the Calendar on our website for details:
https://votebluemn.org/my-calendar/
Tuesday, May 26
6:30 – 8:00 pm
SD31 DFL Communications/Data Team Meeting
By Invitation (contact us if you are interested — sd31dfl@gmail.com)
7:00 PM
Ramsey City Council Meeting
Thursday, May 28
6:15-7:15
Neighborhood Network Local Leaders. Monthly Virtual Call
The Neighborhood Network is excited to welcome new and younger leaders to get involved, on their own terms. Whether you’re ready to dive in or just curious to learn more, we invite you to join our monthly virtual calls where we’ll share who we are, what we’re working toward, and how you can take part in ways that feel right for you.
Join us on Google Meet: https://meet.google.com/jvq-
Tuesday, June 2
6:00 – 8:00 PM
Doug Chapin Town Hall
Municipal Center Conference Rooms — Alexander Ramsey Room
7550 Sunwood Dr NW
Ramsey, MN, 55303
School Board Meetings
Anoka-Hennepin:
Work Sessions – 2nd Mondays, 5:30 pm (June 8, July 13)
Regular School Board Meetings – 4th Mondays, 6:30 pm (May 25, June 22)
https://meetings.boardbook.
St Francis:
2nd and 4th Mondays, 6:30 PM, Community Room, District Office (May 25, June 8)
Look for additional events and sign-ups at the DFL Neighborhood Network website: dflneighborhoodnetwork.net
Resources & Links You Can Use
Keep checking our SD31 DFL Website: VoteBlueMN.org
Indivisible North Metro on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/
Common Cause Minnesota
https://www.commoncause.org/
Brennan Center for Justice
https://www.brennancenter.org/
Clean Elections MN
https://cleanelectionsmn.org/
Heather Cox Richardson
heathercoxrichardson@substack.
Thom Hartmann – The Hartmann Report
hartmannreport.com
You can also hear Thom Hartmann from 11am to 2 pm daily on the radio (and lots of other progressive programs) on the Twin Cities progressive radio station, AM 950 (KTNF)
FREE AGAIN in 2026— CONTRIBUTE to SD31— FOR FREE!
Make a donation of any size to SD31 and get a full refund. The Minnesota Political Campaign Refund (PCR) provides refunds of $75/individual or $150/couple per year for contributions made to Minnesota political parties and candidates for state offices.
Contribute whatever you can — and then GET A FULL REFUND!
After donating at VoteBlueMN.org, just print and fill the following document and send it in with your receipt. The address is on the form.
https://www.revenue.state.mn.
Email Updates and Submissions
Newsletters and other Emails from SD31 DFL will typically be sent out on Monday or Tuesday, at least once or twice a month. If you have an item to share, please submit it by noon on Friday to: sd31dfl@gmail.com
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 all your efforts this critical year…
Stay connected with us and
Let your voice be heard!
Some of Our Core Values and Guideposts:
Compassion
Fighting Hatred
Showing up
A better economy and healthcare for ALL
The Rule of Law
SD31 DFL Communications
sd31dfl@gmail.com
VoteBlueMN.org
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As reported by the Minnesota Reformer, January 23, 2026:
“Citing the killing of Renee Good by federal agent Jonathan Ross, the “ICE Out” day organizers say the general strike is intended to be a day of nonviolent reflection.
“’It is time to suspend the normal order of business to demand immediate cessation of ICE actions in Minnesota, accountability for federal agents who have caused loss of life and abuse to Minnesota residents and call for Congress to immediately intervene,” the website states.
“Demonstrators will march and rally in downtown Minneapolis Friday starting at 2 p.m.
“Over 100 businesses, restaurants and co-ops in the Twin Cities have announced plans to close Friday, according to Bring Me The News, which is keeping a running list.
“Minneapolis was home to a landmark general strike nearly 100 years ago that was organized by truck drivers with the Teamsters Local 574. Minneapolis then was a non-union town thanks to a business advocacy group called the Citizens Alliance.”
Day of Action and Reflection in Minnesota
Message from SD31
DFL Friends—
While we are heading toward Caucus Night, so much else is going on. But one of the most important events is the planned Day of Action and Reflection, sometimes called a general Strike, tomorrow— in support of immigrants and refugees, and in resistance to ICE and their cruelty and violence. Many businesses will close, and people are asked to avoid shopping and other activities if they are able. Despite the cold, there will also be peaceful demonstrations.
The statement below came yesterday from the American Swedish Institute, and is one of the best explanations of what is behind this Day of Action and Reflection. My grandfather came to the US from Sweden at age 8, in 1902. By age 23 he was fighting for the US in WWI. And most of us have similar stories in our heritage. So let’s spend some time remembering how our own family stories connect us with our good neighbors— people who have joined us from other places such as Somalia— and support them. Here is the ASI message:
ASI Will Be Closed on Friday, Jan 23
For nearly 100 years, ASI has welcomed, celebrated, and studied immigration. ASI is a place created by immigrants and has transformed into a welcoming place that inspires curiosity, embraces creativity, and grows community by exploring the past, present, and future.
We are a safe space for learning and connection, especially in moments like these, when our neighborhood needs it most. ASI stands with our community in Minneapolis, the Twin Cities, and Minnesota, now and always.
On Friday, January 23, ASI will join organizations in Minneapolis and beyond who are participating in a day of action and reflection in response to increased ICE activity in our community by closing for the day. ASI staff are encouraged to participate in whatever ways feel most meaningful to them.
We invite you to join us in supporting our local community. If we can answer any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Best wishes,
Molly Steenson
CEO & President, American Swedish Institute
Observe Friday in any way you are able. Many places of work will stay open and employees cannot all just stay home. But please avoid any unnecessary business activities— and take this time to reflect on our mutual connections and mutual history— and the importance of keeping the real America alive in these dark times.
AND REMEMBER: Be careful out there…Stay safe and warm!
Peter
Communications Director
SD31 DFL
The Minnesota DFL.org website recommends reading and sharing this current op-ed by Attorney General Keith Ellison.
Keith Ellison: MLK’s warnings about injustice have urgency here today
By Keith Ellison
4-5 minutes
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. warned us that injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. He knew the gravest dangers to democracy came through normalizing cruelty, political retaliation, and abuses of power.
Today, his warning has never felt more urgent. For months, Minnesotans have faced escalating threats, intimidation, and violence from the Trump administration’s federal invasion of our communities.
As the President tries to goad our people into escalation, we’ve instead chosen peaceful protest, mutual aid, and to protect each other from the terror we’re living through at the hands of violent, masked forces.
This month, the violence turned deadly when a Department of Homeland Security agent took the life of our neighbor, Renee Nicole Good — a mother, a wife, and a U.S. citizen doing her part to fight injustice by legally observing and looking out for her neighbors.
The truth is, what’s happening to Minnesota isn’t accidental. It’s not about public safety, fraud, or even immigration enforcement. It’s the latest in a campaign of retribution by President Donald Trump towards a state that has never voted for him, with no regard for the people who live here. Trump’s own chief of staff described it as “score settling” and admitted, “when there’s an opportunity, he will go for it.”
She’s right — President Trump has rarely missed an opportunity to abuse his power in service of callous retribution.
Spreading conspiracies after the tragedy of my friend Melissa Hortman’s assassination is retribution by Donald Trump.
Cutting 12,000 Minnesota families off from child care is retribution by Donald Trump.
Trying to cut Minnesota off from the SNAP, harming almost half a million people, is retribution by Donald Trump
And surging a reported 2,000 ICE agents into our neighborhoods — their self-proclaimed “largest operation ever” — is retribution by Donald Trump. Retribution that left a mother dead.
These are not only policy choices — these are deliberate acts that punish families, destabilize communities, and put lives at risk.
That’s why I am challenging Trump and Noem’s federal invasion of our state in court and fighting to protect Minnesota’s access to Medicaid, SNAP and child care from a federal government that cares only about settling scores. Minnesotans know that as long as I am their attorney general, I will never stop fighting for them.
And as we fight for our neighbors, Minnesota’s Republican elected officials have co-signed these actions. Every elected leader in Minnesota must now decide: Stand up for Minnesotans or stand with President Trump and his attacks on our neighbors, our budgets, and our values. In moments of crisis, Minnesotans have always chosen to stand up for one another. We should demand the same of our leaders.
To our friends watching around the country, know this: Trump’s assault on the American people will not stop with Minnesota. We’re the beta test for his campaign of violent retaliation against his perceived enemies.
Here’s what the rest of America can learn from us: We will not roll over. If compliance means Minnesotans losing access to child care, or the most vulnerable losing access to food, or neighbors losing their lives while standing up for each other, our answer is simple: We will not comply.
Instead, we’ll keep protesting peacefully, volunteering, donating, and protecting our neighbors from harm, no matter where they were born.
Dr. King taught us that the arc of the moral universe bends towards justice, but only when we pull it. We need all hands on that arc to preserve our democracy, and recommit our nation to the goal of living up to our lofty ideals.
Democracy does not defend itself. That’s our job.
Keith Ellison has been Minnesota’s attorney general since 2019. He previously represented Minnesota’s 5th Congressional District from 2007 to 2019.
Why go to Caucus? Caucuses are the first major events of what will prove to be a very historic election year.
Be the voice in the room — not the one left out. The neighborhood caucus is where grassroots Democracy begins. Caucuses are the place and time where you can:
✅ Meet your DFL neighbors — there are lots of us!
✅ Start to get involved and enhance your involvement
✅ Write a resolution to guide DFL policies and platform
✅ Join a committee or local group to work at the grassroots level
✅ Meet candidates and elected officials who reflect your values
✅ Vote on resolutions that influence the DFL Party Platform
✅ OR JUST COME TO MEET FRIENDS AND LEARN MORE!
Resources:
✅ Non-Attendee Form, if you cannot attend but want to be involved
✅ DFL Resolution Form, for your prepared resolutions
✅ Find your precinct at https://pollfinder.sos.mn.gov/
Register HERE to let the DFL know you are coming.
Why go to Caucus?
Caucuses are the first major events of what will prove to be a very historic election year. Yes, there is some party business to do, but mainly it is a chance to meet DFL friends and get recharged for the coming campaign year. We need to do everything we can to prevent the GOP and ICE from taking over in Minnesota, and instead to strengthen our progressive influence on state and national politics.
Caucuses are the place and time where you can:
- meet your DFL neighbors— there are lots of us!
- start to get involved
- enhance your current involvement
- write a resolution to guide DFL policies and platform
- join a committee or local group to work at the grassroots level
- meet candidates
- become a delegate to upcoming conventions
- even consider running for a DFL position or as a candidate for office!
- OR: JUST COME TO MEET FRIENDS AND LEARN MORE!
This is our first reminder— please mark your calendars and plan to attend Caucus info events in January AND the Caucuses themselves on Feb 3. Read on for specifics.
Emergency Protest Tonight!
This is the message sent by email to our members yesterday. If you didn’t hear about it, you can learn more below.
As many of you are aware, our school board race in Anoka-Hennepin is seeing a huge amount of outside spending by groups who want to privatize our schools and turn them into culture war battlegrounds. Our friends at Indivisible are organizing an emergency protest tonight at the Coon Rapids Civic Center over a horrible speaker that the Parents Alliance has invited. Please see below and come support!
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