SD31 DFL THIS WEEK
Hello DFL Friends!
What a week it has been! A week ago we thought our biggest news would be about our parades and fairs. Now we have a new candidate for President and very likely our new Democratic nominee: Vice President Kamala Harris!
After weeks of turmoil, President Joe Biden did the right thing for his country. A thing that his predecessor would never do. We have a lot to thank Joe for, and that will become even more clear as time passes. His efforts helped build recovery after the pandemic, restarted American industry and technology, and got our infrastructure back on track. And he was the first president to walk in a union picket line. AND he rallied our allies to provide major support for Ukraine in the battle against the evil of the Russian dictator Putin. History books will rank him highly. In one of his final political acts, he put aside his dreams and ambitions for the good of the country. Joe Biden is a good man, and a great President.
Now VP Harris has the opportunity to energize us all— and this was in evidence in the last 24 hrs as all over the country, Democrats leaped up to endorse her. To say nothing of her striking fear in the hearts of the opposition who had planned a very different battle this fall!
And with Harris’s candidacy, many of those who had given up on the electoral process because of the choice between 2 old white men— will now have a true alternative. A woman who will push the agenda of freedom for women, including abortion rights. A younger person who will represent a whole different generation— looking to the future instead of the past. A prosecutor who will strike anxiety and fear into the heart of our most well known felon and his crew. And a woman of color who can speak to concerns of the racism that persists in so many aspects of our society.
After listening to TV and radio today, it was hard not to be excited, more enthusiastic than has been the case in many months. This seems certain to be a major turning point in the campaign, and a signal of hope that republican project 2025 will be thrown onto the “ash heap of history” in November 2024. So now, in the words of Thom Hartmann, it is time to get our boots on the ground! One big thing you can do is to help with our biggest fundraiser so far–the North Metro Picnic on August 20– SEE BELOW!
OUR NEXT BIG EVENTS:
Many of us have been on hand, and had a good time at the early events of the season— the parades at Coon Rapids and Andover, and festival days at Ham Lake, Andover, and East Bethel. Now County Fair season is in full swing. There is still room for volunteers! Here is a rundown of upcoming events:
July 23-28 TUES-SUN
Anoka County Fair
Booth Only— No Parade!
Tues thru Sat. 8am-11pm; Sunday 8am-7pm
Anoka County Fair Grounds, 3200 St. Francis BLvd, Anoka 55303
https://www.signupgenius.com/
August 20 TUES
North Metro Senate District Multi-SD Picnic
5-9 pm at Long Lake Park
Entrance donations will be divided among the participating SD’s
Silent auction— SD31 gets to keep the $ from anything we sell— so contact vice chair Leslie Pendergast if you have items to donate. And please attend— there will be lots of high-ranking DFL people speaking.
This is our Biggest Fundraiser of the year– you can help in any of 3 ways:
1. Attend
2. Volunteer to help
3. Provide a silent auction item
THANKS!!
Sept 7 SAT
Linwood Family Fun Days
Booth Set-up is at 8am: 10am-5pm
Street dance to 11pm
22817 Typo Creek Dr. NE, Stacy MN 55079
Sept 7 SAT
Ramsey Happy Days
Booth and Parade
Booth set-up @ 7:30am-10am; Open 11am-7pm
7550 Sunwood Dr. NW Ramsey, MN 55303 Happy Day Field
SD31 and Betsy O’Berry are in need of marchers and booth staff.
Every Saturday Morning— DFL Coffee Break
830-11 am
Starbucks in Andover Target
2000 Bunker Lake Blvd
Next Dates: July 27, August 3, August 10
Our Neighborhood Network is reaching 3000+ voters and we want to keep spreading the news! One great way to help is donating stamps—you can drop them off at the DFL Coffee Break. AND If you would like to support our project financially here is the link:
https://secure.actblue.com/
Thanks once more for all the good DFL energy!
SD31 CANDIDATE CAMPAIGNS
Campaign Kickoff for Gadisa Berkessa in 31B
(Eastern Andover, Ham Lake, Oak Grove, East Bethel, Linwood, Athens
Last Thursday Gadisa Berkessa held his kickoff party at Ham Lake Lanes. 30+ people turned out, and Gadisa was able to reach his goal of qualifying for the public campaign funding match.
His Website is dynamic— take a look, and then offer to help, or to donate:
https://gadisa4mn.com/
Dara Grimmer (31A- Ramsey & Western Andover)— her website is up and running
Dara also has an eye-catching website:
https://vote4grimmer.com/about
And here is some info about her from that site:
Dara Grimmer moved to Ramsey in 2017 and is proud to be a part of the increasing numbers of like-minded DFLers here in 31A. She and her husband Wayne have been married for 28 years, and their home has been a haven for many, including their given and foster children. In fact, being a mother is her greatest joy. Her choices within her career have reflected her desire to make the world a better place for all youth.
Her degree in Communications, and minors in American Indian Studies and Political Science have given her tools to be of service to our diverse population. Dara believes we all gain from a future where our youth are empowered, informed and compassionate. She has worked for the Elk River School district for over 13 years, and is currently an Instructional Mentor for the American Indian Education Program.
Dara’s work within the legislation would reflect her values of creating safer, more equitable, and diversified spaces within our community. She trusts in a government that promotes communities centered around well-being, improved health outcomes, reduced costs, and increased civic pride; all of which support a robust economic development.
SD31 MONTHLY MEETING
Our monthly gathering was held Thursday 7/18, right after the Berkessa campaign event. We approved two new Directors: Joan Barron and Carrie Bury. Welcome Joan and Carrie!
(We still have at two open Director seats so let us know if you are interested)
We also approved continuing support for the outreach efforts of our Neighborhood Network through September.
Note that early voting is now open for the primary on Tuesday August 13.
Next SD31 DFL Meeting:
Thursday, August 15
6:00 pm Social / 6:30 pm call to order
Andover Community Center
Reminder: County Commission Races— Primary August 13
These excellent progressives need your help too!
Betsy O’Berry— District 1: Anoka, Ramsey, Nowthen, St Francis
https://www.betsyo.org
Mike Gamache— District 5: Andover, Coon Rapids, Oak Grove
https://www.reelectmike.com/
CRITICAL LINKS AND NOTES
Connections Lab Event!
Our friends Lisa and George Greene, who keep teaching us about how to do better messaging, are putting on a major training event. Whether you are familiar with them or new to the whole idea, take a look and consider registering:
Strategic Messaging
Advanced Messaging Workshop
SATURDAY July 27th
9AM to Noon
International Union of Painters and Allied Trades
District Council 82 Hall
3205 Little Canada Minnesota, 55117
Tickets $25
Limited Seating: Register Now
Presenters Antonia Scatton and George Greene
This workshop shows you how to use the latest in psychological research to fix our messaging problem once and for all.
Questions, email Lisa Greene at lisa@connectionslab.org. or call 612-718-0547
ConnectionsLab.org
https://connectionslab.us13.
From Thom Hartmann: The Prosecutor Versus the Felon
“We must unite quickly around our candidate and her and our Party’s pick for VP and hit the ground running by the end of this week…”
https://hartmannreport.com/p/
FROM DFL TOOLKIT:
(ActionNetwork.org)
FYI— : Trump’s new running mate JD Vance opposes abortions even for survivors of rape or incest, referring to these cases as “inconvenient” for women.
https://click.actionnetwork.
UPCOMING ANOKA HENNEPIN SCHOOL BOARD MEETINGS:
Please attend and have input– watch the right wing faction as they try to shred the curriculum and all equity efforts and protections.
All Regular School Board Meetings start at 6:30 pm
All Work Sessions start at 5:30 pm (Observation only- no comments)
Regular Board meetings: Sandburg Education Center in Anoka 1902 2nd Ave
Board Work sessions: Education Services Center, 2727 Ferry St, Anoka
Next Regular Board Meetings:
Monday 8/12 Work Meeting
Monday 8/26 Regular Meeting (open for comment)
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 at VoteBlueMN.org, just print and fill the following document and send it in with your receipt.
https://mcusercontent.com/
Picture credits (used with permission): whitehouse.gov
Thank you to all who are working hard in this heat and humidity, to save our country.
Let the excitement build, and pass it on.
(And remember to stay well hydrated!)
Step by Step, Always Together, Always Forward!
SD31 Communications
info (at) VoteBlueMN.org
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
SD31 DFL THIS WEEK
June 25, 2024
Fellow DFL’ers:
Check in here with us to get the latest scoop on what is happening in our District. First up is our Parade and event Schedule— please make a plan to march with us and volunteer some time!
Events and Info This Week
We need volunteers and marchers for the following events!
(Contact: Patti @ 218-428-5527)
June 29, Saturday
Ham Lake Freedom Days
15544 Central Ave NE, Ham Lake
Tent open from 1:00pm til 9:00pm
Tent location given upon arrival
July 2, Tuesday
Coon Rapids Parade- line up at 5:30 pm
111th and Mississippi (near old Fire Hall)
Park in Anoka Ramsey parking lot
Watch for DFL van in the lineup field
July 12, Friday
Andover Family Fun Fest
Tent set-up 3:30pm (location given upon arrival)
Tent attendance needed until 8:00pm
Andover City Hall grounds
July 13, Saturday
Andover Family Fun Fest and Parade
Parade line-up at 10:15 in Andover HS parking lot. WE NEED MARCHERS!
11:00 Begin attendance at our tent. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FROM 3 TIL 7PM
Tent takedown at 8:00pm
SD31 DFL Meeting June 20
Endorsed Dara Grimmer as candidate for the House in 31A
More to come soon about her campaign
Other key actions:
– We learned the A-H School Board is adding meetings to work through their review of curriculum and training. Look for info on the dates for these.
– Democracy Fair on 6/1 was a great success and we are planning an even better Fair in January.
– The Neighborhood Network continues to expand. SD31 agreed to provide funding this month and next month to help move their mailings and literature drops along.
– Betsy O’Berry had great turnout for the parade in St Francis 6/1, and is door-knocking at a heavy pace in her campaign for Ramsey city council.
– SD31 also committed to honoring the intent of those who make donations marked for the Neighborhood Network. There is only one “pot” of money for the district, but the group agreed we will make budgetary plans consistent with the wishes of those who donate.
DFL COFFEE BREAK happens every Saturday Morning!
Find out what the buzz is all about— get together and visit with DFL friends— about politics and whatever else…. And get connected with others in our expanding Neighborhood Network.
Next Dates: June 29, July 6
8:30- 11 am @ Starbucks in Andover Target- 2000 Bunker Lake Blvd
Neighborhood Network needs volunteers
The NN continues to expand, and needs your help in reaching “sleepy democrats.”
Help send some letters or drop some literature to nearby fellow Democrats, two or three times before the election. And anything more you want to do!
Call or email Charlie: 763.200.1078, or: outreach (at) VoteBlueMN.org.
This is how we will defeat the GOP this fall and preserve the rule of law and our imperiled form of government— one person at a time!
Gadisa Berkessa- Candidate for House Seat 31B
Gadisa is at work building his campaign. Here are some links to connect with him:
For donations to Gadisa’s Campaign:
https://secure.actblue.com/donate/gadisa-for-mn
https://www.youtube.com/user/gaaddisaoromiyaa
https://www.facebook.com/Gaaddisaa.Dh
Or, Contact us to learn more, or to volunteer: info (at) VoteBlueMN.org
Links You Can Use
The Ten Commandments invade our schools (but not the Beatitudes!)
From Thom Hartmann reports:
“STOP TRUMP AND GET A FULL REFUND!”
Contribute to SD31 DFL– This year we must get out the vote to defeat Trump and elect as many democrats as we can.
GET A FULL REFUND for any amount up to $75 per person.
After donating at VoteBlueMN.org/donate/, just print and fill the following document and send it in with your receipt. https://www.revenue.state.mn.us/sites/default/files/2024-03/pcr-24.pdf
Thank you to all who are already working, and planning to march or volunteer with summer events, or to join in the efforts of the Neighborhood Network. One step at a time, but always forward!
And in the meantime stay dry, keep hydrated, and try to enjoy our fleeting summer!
SD31 Communications
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
