For the first time, good people will have the opportunity to volunteer at the Grandstand Donuts booth at this years Minnesota State Fair and raise money for Senate District 31! Four shifts are available:
*Saturday, August 23
*Monday, Aug. 25
*Tuesday, August 26
*Thursday, August 28
Those that volunteer for the six hour shift will earn a free ticket to the fair.
Sign up here to join in the fun!
Thank you for supporting DFL Senate District 31.
SD31 FRIENDS—
Here is another GREAT chance to get out, have a good time, and volunteer with other DFL folks, close to home…
Anoka County Fair starts soon!
SD31 is working with other districts, especially nearby SD35, to provide volunteer support for the DFL booth at the fair.
As was said in our last email, every little step helps build the civic community we need so much right now— a community where “justice and mercy can have their day… a civic community sufficiently united to know our own will and hold those who govern accountable to it.”
To make these changes a reality, we need and REALLY APPRECIATE your help!
July 22 (Tuesday) to July 27 (Sunday)
ANOKA COUNTY FAIR
3200 St Francis Blvd, Anoka MN, 55303
Volunteer Shifts at the booth are from 2.5 – 3 hours. Previous volunteers will tell you that doing a shift at the fair can be pretty fun. Talking with neighbors can actually be done in a relaxed way— and you only talk with people who choose to come over to the booth!
Volunteers pay to enter the fair, but are able to get discounted tickets.
To sign up for a shift, follow this link:
https://www.signupgenius.com/
And remember other upcoming opportunities:
July 19
EAST BETHEL BOOTH AND PARADE
Volunteer for the Booth (10 am- 7 pm) or the Parade (3-5 pm)— or BOTH!
https://volunteersignup.org/
August 12
NORTH METRO DFL PICNIC and SILENT AUCTION
To Volunteer:
https://volunteersignup.org/
August 23-28
State Fair DONUT BOOTH (DFL Sponsored)
Sign up here:
https://www.grandstanddonuts.
Thank you, and keep up the good work. Let your voice be heard!
Our Core Values and Guideposts:
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
… and because even though it should be obvious in the USA, they seem to have forgotten:
The Rule Of Law
The Constitution Of The United States
SD31 DFL Communications
sd31dfl@gmail.com
Abbey Payeur, Mom of three, brings experience and expertise to the role of school board member. Running in District 4 of Anoka-Hennepin, Abbey is in it to win. She is busy meeting community members and speaking about the importance of making school boards use evidence-based decision-making. Board members must use their positions to make good decisions for the wellbeing of the kids and to strengthen our community. Abbey had a booth at the Ham Lake Freedom Festival on Saturday, June 28th and also attended the Andover Family Fun Fest on July 11th and 12th. A Town Hall (TBA) is coming soon.
Future events will be posted here and on Abbey’s website.
Related: Jodi has contributed an excellent article on The Importance of School Board Elections at our sister website, DFL Neighborhood Network.
Indivisible and Mobilize.Us/nokings write:
Across the country, authoritarian forces are getting bolder and more dangerous. Trump and his allies are not hiding their agenda: mass deportations, rollbacks of civil rights, weaponized courts, and full-scale attacks on our democracy. …
That’s why this summer, we’re launching One Million Rising—a national effort to train one million people in the strategic logic and practice of non-cooperation, as well as the basics of community organizing and campaign design.
This is important. Protests, no matter how big and frequent, are not enough. If this movement is something that interests you, please consider the trainings listed below. If you know anyone who may be interested, please pass this message on. If you are able to post this information anywhere else, please do so.
Sessions (sign up):
Session 1: The Moment & Your Mission – July 16 Get oriented to making meaning of this moment and the role you can play in coordinated strategic action.
Session 2: How to Make it Happen – July 30 This train-the-trainer session is how we get to one million. Learn not just our strategy, but how you can train others and get them on board. You’ll host your first community resistance gathering after this session.
Session 3: What Now? – August 13 You’ll be onboarded to basic campaign design and learn how to implement it locally as well as get plugged into our next national campaign work. Your second community resistance gathering will move this action forward.
Stay Strong!
SD31 FRIENDS—
We hope your early summer is going well, despite all the humidity and the unsettling news from around the country (and world). What can one person do? Start close to home and do one or two small things to support the good in our country.
“politics… is the ancient and honorable human endeavor of creating a community in which the weak as well as the strong can flourish, love and power can collaborate, and justice and mercy can have their day… a civic community sufficiently united to know our own will and hold those who govern accountable to it.” — Parker Palmer
Every little step helps build that civic community. Here are some links for volunteer opportunities coming up soon. Take a look and pick one or more to sign up for— we need and REALLY APPRECIATE your help!
Our northern neighbors in SD31 need as many of us to turn out as possible. Volunteer for the Booth (10 am- 7 pm) or the Parade (3-5 pm)— or BOTH!
https://volunteersignup.org/
Our biggest fundraiser of the year, and a chance to get together with other DFL’ers from nearby districts. Lots of good food and good friends. Sign up to volunteer, and/or send us your info for silent auction items. Every cent from these items goes to SD31, so submit an item or two to the auction!
To Volunteer:
https://volunteersignup.org/
For Silent Auction — print and fill in the Bid Sheet (see link). We need name, address, and value of the item to be donated (for our reports). This can be dropped off with the item at the Picnic.
https://mcusercontent.com/
August 23-28
State Fair DONUT BOOTH
NEW for this year SD31 is working with other DFL Districts to run a Donut Booth at the State Fair. And we share in the proceeds. Shifts are 5-6 hours in length, and can be as much fun as they are work. We have openings on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday of Fair week— one morning and 3 afternoon times are available. Sign up here:
https://www.grandstanddonuts.
As always, Thank You, and keep up the good work. Let your voice be heard!
SD31 DFL Communications
sd31dfl@gmail.com
* Candle Light Vigil Wednesday 6/25 for Melissa and Mark Hortman and John and Yvette Hoffman
* SD31 Needs VOLUNTEERS for Summer events starting Saturday 6/28
Greetings, DFL Friends–
It is easy for our heads to spin with all that is happening at the national and world levels. We have no idea where Trump’s war will take us all. And we in Minnesota are also still reeling from the assassinations of Melissa and Mark Hortman and the shooting of John and Yvette Hoffman. Below find details about the Wednesday 6/25 Candlelight Vigil for Melissa. Let’s join with other local DFL’ers in this event.
AND there are many ways to be take action this summer— SD31 needs lots of volunteers— so please sign up! Read on for specifics.
And don’t forget our monthly meeting on July 8!
Meanwhile, keep cool and spend some good summer moments with family and friends.
Wednesday, June 25
7:30 PM
Candle Light Vigil
In honor of Melissa and Mark Hortman
And supporting John and Yvette Hoffman
Hosted by Transformative Circle, empower Diaspora, and League of Women Voters
Evite Link:
https://www.evite.com/event/031CZFFG36DH6UOWCEPQJ3RPXTTQDI
Facebook Link:
https://www.facebook.com/share/18xJbhEhpk
SD-31 VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!
Take a look at these opportunities and sign up— enjoy the company of fellow progressives and speak out to our community. The next big event is the Ham Lake “Freedom Festival” this Saturday— shared with SD32. Then, the Coon Rapids Parade on July 2, shared with SD35.
Saturday, June 28
3 pm – 11 pm
Ham Lake “Freedom Festival- with SD32
Wednesday, July 2
4 pm-7 pm
Coon Rapids Parade- with SD35
Line up starts @ 4 pm, Parade starts @ 6 pm
Friday July 11- Saturday July 12
Fri: 4-8 pm
Sat Noon-9 pm
Andover Family Fun Fest
Meet Abbey Payeur, candidate for A-H School Board
6/28- Ham Lake; 7/11 & 12— Andover
Meet Abbey at The Ham Lake Freedom Festival or the Andover Family Fun Fest.
She will have a booth at both of these events.
https://www.abbeypayeurforschoolboard.com
See our calendar page for more events. And look for additional sign-ups an the DFL Neighborhood Network website:
Other upcoming events…
Daily– 10:45 AM
DFL Statewide Call (see below)
Weekly– Protests at Emmer’s Office, Otsego
Tuesdays 4-5 pm
Saturdays 11 am- Noon
Weekly– SD31 DFL Coffee Break- DFL Neighborhood Network
Saturdays 8:30- 11:00 AM
Starbucks Inside Andover Target
More SPECIAL EVENTS FOR SUMMER 2025
Event/ Dates/ Partner
*Isanti County Fair July 17-20— Thursday-Sunday
*East Bethel Booster Days July 19— Saturday
Booth and Parade
*Anoka County Fair July 22-27— Tuesday-Sunday Anoka Co DFL
Ramsey Game Fair August, 2nd & 3rd Weekends
*North Metro Picnic– Long Lake Park, New Brighton August 12— Tuesday
Several other SD’s
Picnic & Silent Auction
*Ramsey– Happy Days September 6— Saturday
Parade/ Booth?
Linwood–Family Fun Days September 6— Saturday
* = SD31 DFL planned involvement— SPECIAL NEED FOR VOLUNTEERS!
School Board Meetings
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– Education Services Center, 2727 Ferry St, Anoka
Mondays
6/30— 4:30 pm- Board Policy Committee Meeting
8/11— 5:30 pm- Regular Work Session
Regular School Board Meetings– Sandburg Ed. Center, Anoka 1902 2nd Ave
Mondays, 6:30 pm
7/14
8/25
If you cannot make the meetings in person you can also watch live. The agenda and streaming link are posted here:
https://meetings.boardbook.org/Public/Organization/2720
St Francis
2nd and 4th Mondays , 6:30 PM, Community Room, District Office
4115 Ambassador Boulevard NW, St Francis MN 55070
NEXT: 7/14, 7/28
Links You Can Use
Keep checking our SD31 DFL Website: VoteBlueMN.org
Common Cause Minnesota
Brennan Center for Justice
https://www.brennancenter.org/
Clean Elections MN
FREE! CONTRIBUTE to SD31— FOR FREE!
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.
https://www.revenue.state.mn.us/sites/default/files/2024-12/pcr-25.pdf
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:
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. Stay connected with us as we struggle to resist the authoritarian extremists and make our communities, state and country better!
SD31 Communications
sd31dfl@gmail.com
Our Core Values and Guideposts:
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
… and because even though it should be obvious in the USA, they seem to have forgotten:
The Rule Of Law
The Constitution Of The United States
“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.
Other Ways to protest:
It is also of great help to support organizations, like Common Cause, the ACLU, and the Brennan Center. Help them, or other similar organizations, any way you can:
https://act.commoncause.org/
https://www.aclu.org/
https://www.brennancenter.org/
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
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.”
The signups for volunteering are here:
https://dflneighborhoodnetwork.net/
The calendar for summer events can be seen there and at:
https://votebluemn.org/
Closer to home – take 3: CD6 Candidate forums
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!
SD31 DFL Communications
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)
More Info:
Daily
10:45 AM
DFL Statewide Call (see below)
Weekly:
Protests at Emmer’s Office, Otsego
Tuesdays 4-5 pm
Saturdays 11 am- Noon
_________________________________________
PARADES, PICNICS, and SPECIAL EVENTS FOR SUMMER 2025
Event Dates Partner
*Ham Lake
Freedom Festival June 28— Saturday SD-32
*Coon Rapids
July Festival July 2— Wednesday SD-35
Parade
*Andover
Family Fun Fest July 11-12— Friday & Saturday
Parade
*Isanti County Fair July 17-20— Thursday-Sunday
*East Bethel
Booster Days July 19— Saturday
Booth and Parade
*Anoka County Fair July 22-27— Tuesday-Sunday Anoka Co DFL
Ramsey Game Fair August, 2nd & 3rd Weekends
*North Metro Picnic
Long Lake Park, New Brighton August 12— Tuesday Several other SD’s
Picnic & Silent Auction
*Ramsey
Happy Days September 6— Saturday
Parade/ Booth?
Linwood
Family Fun Days September 6— Saturday
* = SD31 DFL planned involvement
_________________________________________________
OTHER EVENTS and DETAILS…
Daily @ 10:45 AM
DFL Daily Statewide Call
The DFL State party has daily communication calls Monday – Friday at 10:45AM.
These are BRIEF calls— 7 or 8 minutes! And don’t be late or you will miss the whole call.
These calls highlight important messages to share, actions to take, and text to use in your social media.
Any DFL’er can join in! If you’re interested in signing up for these calls, click this link:
____________________________________________
Weekly
SD31 DFL Coffee Break- DFL Neighborhood Network
Saturdays 8:30- 11:00 AM
Starbucks Inside Andover Target
___________________________________________
Weekly
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:
https://meetings.boardbook.org/Public/Organization/2720
St Francis
2nd and 4th Mondays , 6:30 PM, Community Room, District Office
4115 Ambassador Boulevard NW, St Francis MN 55070
NEXT: 6/9, 6/23, 7/14
________________________________
WEDNESDAY 6/11
ANOKA COUNTY DFL SENIOR CAUCUS
Contact: Mel Aanerud (aanerud4@comcast.net):
Date: Every Second Wednesday (June 11, July 9)
Place: Davanni’s Coon Rapids 3430 129 Ave NW
Time: Order food— room opens at 12:30; Meeting starts: 1:00 PM
______________________________________________________
FRIDAY, June 13
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:
Senator Tina Smith on Protecting the Boundary Waters and Voyageurs National Park:
https://www.smith.senate.gov/environment
On “Disappearing” migrants and political opponents to El Salvador and Libya— Thom Hartmann:
Common Cause Minnesota
Brennan Center for Justice
https://www.brennancenter.org/
Clean Elections MN
________________________________
FREE! CONTRIBUTE to the SD31— FOR FREE!
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.
https://www.revenue.state.mn.us/sites/default/files/2024-12/pcr-25.pdf
____________________________________________________
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!
SD31 Communications
info@VoteBlueMN.org
Our Core Values and Guideposts:
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
… and because even though it should be obvious in the USA, they seem to have forgotten:
The Rule Of Law
The Constitution Of The United States
SD31 DFL NEWS
May 2025
http://dflneighborhoodnetwork.net
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
https://www.abbeypayeurforschoolboard.com
*State DFL announces kick-off weekend 5/27=31 for “Summer of Action”
*Daily DFL phone call (see more below)
*Thanks to members who helped with the Park Cleanup
*Fundraiser at Crooners for Anoka County DFL Monday 6/9
*CD6 Peoples’ Town Hall Wednesday 5/28
*North Metro DFL Picnic Tuesday August 12— our biggest fundraiser— start planning!
__________________________________________________________
Our next SD31 DFL Meeting:
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:
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.
____________________________________________
Daily:
DFL Daily Statewide Call— GET THE SCOOP and GET CONNECTED!
The DFL State party has started daily communication calls Monday – Friday at 10:45AM.
These are BRIEF calls— 7 or 8 minutes tops! And don’t be late or you will miss the whole call.
These calls highlight important messages to share, actions to take, and text to use in your social media.
Any DFL’er can join in! If you’re interested in signing up for these calls, click this link:
Some of the most recent messaging points:
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.
Some of the recent suggested actions:
_______________________________________________
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:
https://meetings.boardbook.org/Public/Organization/2720
St Francis
2nd and 4th Mondays , 6:30 PM, Community Room, District Office
4115 Ambassador Boulevard NW, St Francis MN 55070
NEXT: 5/27 (special post-holiday date), 6/9, 6/23
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Monday. May 19
Anoka County DFL Meeting
Time: 7 pm
Place: 830 W Moore Lake Dr NE, Fridley, MN 55432
Please park across the street or in the nearby junior high parking lot.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/bhmNFgZFXbg2vqgn8
Agenda: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1HNxJWJT2ggbcAmF6FCOmfMGphoVWMPe-wR83yJJytLM/edit?usp=drivesdk
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WEDNESDAY 6/11
ANOKA COUNTY DFL SENIOR CAUCUS
Contact: Mel Aanerud (aanerud4@comcast.net):
Date: Every Second Wednesday (June 11, July 9)
Place: Davanni’s Coon Rapids 3430 129 Ave NW
Time: Order food— room opens at 12:30; Meeting starts: 1:00 PM
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Monday 5/19, 6/2, 6/16
Anoka City Council Meeting
@ 7 PM
Meetings are on 1st and 3rd Mondays every month.
Anoka City Hall
2015 First Avenue
Council Chambers
Anoka, MN 55303
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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”
7 pm on Zoom
Register:
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_WSJUQkiuQ2aSXDiT-WYPgQ#/registration
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Thursday 5/22
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:
https://secure.actblue.com/…/schoolboardintegrityproject
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FRIDAY, June 13
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.
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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:
Senator Tina Smith on Protecting the Boundary Waters and Voyageurs National Park:
https://www.smith.senate.gov/environment
On “Disappearing” migrants and political opponents to El Salvador and Libya— Thom Hartmann:
Common Cause Minnesota
Brennan Center for Justice
https://www.brennancenter.org/
Clean Elections MN
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FREE! CONTRIBUTE to the SD31— FOR FREE!
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.
https://www.revenue.state.mn.us/sites/default/files/2024-12/pcr-25.pdf
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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.
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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!
SD31 Communications
info@VoteBlueMN.org
Our Core Values and Guideposts:
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
… and because even though it should be obvious in the USA, they seem to have forgotten:
The Rule Of Law
The Constitution Of The United States