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Today’s newsletter will be a short one. I, too, am tired.

The last many months have been difficult on a personal level, from losing my father to ICE activity in Minnesota the week I came back. I have been going non-stop, fighting ICE, volunteering at Latino Voices, and so much more. I try to take a deep breath and not let the news overwhelm me. I look for hope, and I see it every week when we all come together.

But these past months have taken a toll on me, and the barrage of news is affecting me too.

In the next few weeks, you will see less of me, and there will be fewer newsletters. I apologize for that. I need a little time to recharge. I will still have one newsletter per week, and yes, we still have the SW Protectors. You will see me at the protests, just not every time.

We have such amazing volunteers, and I am so thankful to them and to all of you. We are going to keep protecting democracy and standing up for what is right.

Kohl’s has asked that we leave parking by the front of their store for paying customers, so please try to keep the first several rows available.

The amazing Ivy has started a free clothing closet, but she needs your help. She is looking for several shelves for her garage to store all the donations. If you can, please Venmo her at @ivydawnjohnson so she can store and organize them. It would be really helpful, as several organizations have already reached out to her for clothes.

Ivy would also love help sorting and organizing. You can contact her via the Free Clothing Closet Facebook page. Or let me know, and I can put you in touch with her.

She is not accepting new clothes right now, as she needs storage racks first.

Judith

Chaska Protests

Every Friday from 3:00–4:00 p.m. at the corner of Chaska Blvd. and Chestnut Street (Highway 41) [Map]

Every Saturday from 1-2 pm at the corner of Hazeltine Boulevard and Highway 41 (Chestnut) [Map]

Chanhassen Protests

Every Saturday from 10-11 am at 7700 Market Boulevard [Map] Public parking is available behind City Hall.

Norwood Young America

Every Sunday, 11 a.m.–12 p.m. (Line up at the bike path south of Highway 212 and Faxon.)

Victoria

Every Wednesday from 4:30-5:30 pm on the corner of Highway 5 and Victoria Drive/County Rd 11.

Waconia

Every Saturday from 11:30-12:30 pm at Highway 5 and County Road 10 in front of the Starbucks and Jersey Mike’s. [Map]

SW Protectors

Every first and third Tuesday from 6:30 – 8:00 pm. It’s no cost and come and go as you like.

Please do buy something to eat or drink, though, to support our venue, which is The Bellows restaurant and it’s located at 232 Pioneer Trail in Chaska.

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257 people showed up on Saturday. The wind was low, the temperature was wonderful, and we stayed dry, which I call a win.

On Saturday, a black car with blacked-out windows drove by with a loudspeaker, yelling at us. It then turned into the parking lot and slowly made one loop between our cars as people were walking back. Most probably did not notice it or could not make out what was being said. I won’t repeat what they called us.

I am glad no one reacted or engaged. Because of this, they left feeling small and ignored. I thought of them as cowards; anonymous in a blacked-out car, while we stand out there every week, same time and place, with our faces and our voices. What a contradiction.

It takes courage to do what you do every single week.

On Courage, Big and Small

The big protests are wonderful. There are many of us at those, and that makes things easier. But showing up every week, even when the numbers are small, takes real courage.

The Norwood Young America protest is small, held Sunday late morning in a more conservative part of our county. Typically, it has 10–20 people. Waconia is also in a more conservative area, and because there are fewer protesters, there is more of that same cowardly behavior.

A new protest has started in Victoria on Wednesdays from 4:30 to 5:30 at the corner of Highway 5 and Victoria Drive.

And lastly, the person who, to me, shows the most courage is Ellie Krug, who stands in downtown Chaska on Fridays from 3–4. Usually she is alone, though recently two others have joined her. It takes so much to stand there, holding a sign and remaining open to whatever pushback may come.

Grace Under Pressure

Recently, a group of trolls found her Facebook account, and the things people have said have been horrible. Ellie has kept her grace and invites anyone who wants a civil conversation to meet with her over coffee. No one has taken her up on that offer.

It is easier to yell from a car or type a one-sentence slogan on a Facebook post, something that falls apart if actually examined closely.

Why We Show Up

None of us standing on the side of the road are there because of a sudden decision that the opposition is simply stupid. We came to this after looking at the facts and seeing how things are affecting us, our neighbors, our country, and our world.

It’s not easy to come week after week. We stand there in the rain, the cold, or the hot summer sun, taking time out of our precious weekends because this is too important to ignore. It takes courage to face the facts, rather than look away or ignore the real consequences of what is happening.

Every week, you tell me how overwhelming the constant onslaught of terrible news is. Yes, we are exhausted. I know I am.

But we keep showing up.

That, my friends, is true courage.

For Everyone

To face the problem head-on and try to change it for the better, for everyone. Not just for us, but even for the person who drives by giving us the finger. We are trying to protect them too, from an emerging surveillance and police state, from a country where freedom no longer means what it once did.

We are trying to protect them from higher medical bills, from losing their, and our, right to free speech. We are trying to make sure we all have clean water to drink and science to help us live better lives.

The resistance is for everyone.

Events

Tomorrow on Tuesday, April 28 beginning at 9 am, the Carver County Board of Commissioners will host a working session during which, according to the agenda, there will be an “Elections update”:

Cc Board Of Commissioners Elections Update 04

810KB ∙ PDF file

Download

Download

On Wednesday, April 29, 6:30 - 8:30 Joe Brothers is hosting his campaign kickoff in Waconia. Joe is running against Representative Jim Nash in House District 48A. [Details]

Judith

Chaska Protests

Every Friday from 3:00–4:00 p.m. at the corner of Chaska Blvd. and Chestnut Street (Highway 41) [Map]

Every Saturday from 1-2 pm at the corner of Hazeltine Boulevard and Highway 41 (Chestnut) [Map]

Chanhassen Protests

Every Saturday from 10-11 am at 7700 Market Boulevard [Map] Public parking is available behind City Hall.

Norwood Young America

Every Sunday, 11 a.m.–12 p.m. (Line up at the bike path south of Highway 212 and Faxon.)

Victoria

Every Wednesday from 4:30-5:30 pm on the corner of Highway 5 and Victoria Drive/County Rd 11.

Waconia

Every Saturday from 11:30-12:30 pm at Highway 5 and County Road 10 in front of the Starbucks and Jersey Mike’s. [Map]

SW Protectors

Every first and third Tuesday from 6:30 – 8:00 pm. It’s no cost and come and go as you like.

Please do buy something to eat or drink, though, to support our venue, which is The Bellows restaurant and it’s located at 232 Pioneer Trail in Chaska.

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Most of us have seen the instruction floating around social media: “Call your reps, don’t just email.” Maybe you’ve rolled your eyes. Maybe you’ve wondered if it actually matters.

I admit, I’m convinced deep in my bones that Tom Emmer doesn’t give a flying bleep about what I think.

But here’s what’s actually happening inside the building when you do call.

What happens when you call

A staff member picks up. Usually someone junior, working the phones. They ask your name and zip code (they verify you’re actually a constituent), and they log your position on the issue: yes or no, for or against. At the end of the day, those tallies go to the legislative director.

Your senator or representative sees a report. Something like: “47 calls today. 39 against the banking order. 8 in support.”

Volume matters. A spike in calls on a specific issue gets flagged as constituent urgency. It’s one of the few direct pressure signals a member of Congress actually feels in real time.

What happens when you email

It goes into a constituent management system. It gets logged, categorized by topic, and usually generates an auto-response. A staffer may read it. Your position gets counted in a report.

It’s not useless. But it moves slower, carries less weight, and is much easier to deprioritize than a phone that won’t stop ringing.

Why calls hit differently

Calls require a human to pick up or listen to a voicemail every single time. They can’t be filtered or batched the way emails can. A hundred calls in one day on one issue feels different inside an office than a hundred emails. It creates visible, immediate pressure that a staffer has to physically report upward.

That’s the difference between urgency and noise.

You don’t need a speech

This is the part people get stuck on. You don’t need talking points. You don’t need to be articulate. You call, give your name and zip code, and say something like:

“I’m calling to express my opposition to any executive order requiring citizenship verification for bank accounts, and I’d like the Senator to oppose it.”

That’s it. Thirty seconds. They log it and move on. You’ve been counted.

What about writing an actual letter?

Here’s something most people don’t know: a physical letter sent through the U.S. Postal Service carries real weight, arguably more than email and sometimes even more than a call.

It’s slow by design, and that’s the point. A handwritten or printed letter requires deliberate effort. It’s not a click. Staffers know that. A constituent who sat down, wrote something out, addressed an envelope, and mailed it to Washington is a constituent who is serious.

Physical mail also gets handled differently. It’s read. It gets passed around. It sometimes lands on a desk. In high-volume offices during a news cycle, a stack of physical letters on an issue stands out in a way that a filtered email folder does not.

The catch is that mail routed to Capitol Hill goes through an irradiation process for security screening, which can add days or even weeks to delivery. If you’re trying to influence a vote happening next week, a letter won’t get there in time. But for sustained pressure on an ongoing issue, a physical letter is a slow-burning signal that says: this constituent isn’t going away.

When calls and letters arrive together

Here’s where it gets interesting. When an office receives calls on an issue and physical letters on the same issue during the same period, the effect is compounding. The calls create urgency now. The letters are a visual signal that the urgency has been building. Together, they tell a different story than either one alone.

A staffer reporting upward can say: “We’ve been getting calls on this all week, and letters have been coming in too.” That’s not just constituent interest. That’s constituent persistence. It demonstrates that the concern isn’t a reaction to a tweet; it’s something people in the district have been sitting with long enough to put on paper and find a stamp.

For issues that move slowly through Congress, this combination is a pressure tool worth understanding. Use calls when a vote is imminent. Use letters when you want your position on record and want to signal that you’re paying attention over the long haul. Do both when an issue matters enough that you want the office to understand you are not going anywhere.

Who represents you and how to reach them

You live here. You vote here. Your zip code is your standing in that conversation, and it’s the first thing they ask for. Here is exactly where to direct your calls and letters.

U.S. Senate

Senator Amy Klobuchar (D)

• Phone: (202) 224-3244

• Address: Dirksen Senate Office Building Washington, DC 20510

Senator Tina Smith (D)

• Phone: (202) 224-5641 309

• Address: 720 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, DC 20510

U.S. House (Southwest Metro)

Most of the Southwest Metro falls within Minnesota’s 2nd, 3rd and 6th Congressional Districts.

Representative Angie Craig (D - 2nd Congressional District)

• Phone: (202) 225-2271

• Address: 2052 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, DC 20515

Representative Kelly Morrison (D - 3rd Congressional District)

• Phone: (202) 225-2871

• Address: 1205 Longworth House Office Building Washington, DC 20515

Not sure which district you’re in? Visit house.gov and enter your address. You can also call the U.S. Capitol Switchboard at (202) 224-3121 and they will connect you to any member’s office.

Representative Tom Emmer (F - 6rd Congressional District)

• Phone: (202) 225-2331

• Address: 326 Cannon House Office Building, Washington, DC 20515

Make the call. Write the letter. Do both.

The people inside those offices are keeping count. Every tally matters, and right now, the count is the whole point.

See you Saturday!

David

Chaska Protests

Every Friday from 3:00–4:00 p.m. at the corner of Chaska Blvd. and Chestnut Street (Highway 41) [Map]

Every Saturday from 1-2 pm at the corner of Hazeltine Boulevard and Highway 41 (Chestnut) [Map]

Chanhassen Protests

Every Saturday from 10-11 am at 7700 Market Boulevard [Map] Public parking is available behind City Hall.

Norwood Young America

Every Sunday, 11 a.m.–12 p.m. (Line up at the bike path south of Highway 212 and Faxon.)

Victoria

Every Wednesday from 4:30-5:30 pm on the corner of Highway 5 and Victoria Drive/County Rd 11.

Waconia

Every Saturday from 11:30-12:30 pm at Highway 5 and County Road 10 in front of the Starbucks and Jersey Mike’s. [Map]

SW Protectors

Every first and third Tuesday from 6:30 – 8:00 pm. It’s no cost and come and go as you like.

Please do buy something to eat or drink, though, to support our venue, which is The Bellows restaurant and it’s located at 232 Pioneer Trail in Chaska.

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Good morning, friends.

It is Sunday afternoon, and I want to thank all of you who showed up yesterday in the cold wind. It was very brisk, and those of you holding signs got quite the arm workout trying to keep them up.

A total of 199 patriots, along with 4 patriots of the four-legged persuasion, showed up, with 45 American flags held aloft.

This past week, the President of the United States posted a picture of himself as Jesus. The Boundary Waters is under attack. More people died in ICE custody. Armed forces are having to ration food on their ships, as the administration once again shows that planning is not their strong suit. We also learned there was a rape-focused website with over 62 million visits in February alone.

The administration is also fighting hard to obtain your banking and voting information and is trying to access all your health data. Not to mention, states are going after transgender people, who are now not able to drive in some states.

Are you exhausted yet? Overwhelmed?

There were four mass shootings by Sunday afternoon this weekend, including one in which eight children were killed. It did not even make the news because there is just so much happening all at once. Some Catholics have now said that Trump has gone too far and will no longer support him. But I ask, why were the Epstein Files not enough?

One of our protesters, Ken, has been telling me about a documentary he recommends. I asked him to write to all of us about it:

Friends,

Most of us have watched in horror as DOD Secretary Pete Hegseth thumps his chest and claims to be a Christian. He talks about this war with Iran as a religious war, akin to the Crusades. He speaks of a “warrior ethos” as though we are fighting against “the evil empire.”

Granted, none of us believes that the regime in Iran are the “good guys.” It is a repressive theocratic regime. That said, Christian Nationalism holds that the USA was founded as a Christian nation, and its goal is to institute “traditional Christian values” on everyone in America. It is, in many ways, a distortion of both American history and Christianity.

The documentary Bad Faith traces the development of this movement from its beginnings through the present day. I believe it is well done and accurate. Whether you are Christian, agnostic, atheist, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, or from another faith tradition, it is worth watching, in my opinion, because it helps explain where people like Hegseth are coming from and how the Religious Right seeks to impose its values on the rest of us.

It is about 1 hour and 20 minutes long on Amazon Prime. Below is the link.

As a final thought, I want you all to know that our Saturday rallies and Tuesdays at the Bellows are inspirational for me. I value getting to visit with many of you up and down the line and hearing why you are there, what concerns you most about the present administration and the direction of our country. I am grateful for you all.

Special thanks to Judith and the team for their encouragement and presence.

Grace and peace to you all,
Ken Ribe

Understanding where things come from is important, and I think this documentary does a good job of exploring that.

I am planning many activities in the coming months, so the newsletter will include more trainings, meetings, and events.

This Tuesday, Ellie Krug will be speaking at the SW Protectors. If you have not heard Ellie speak, you are in for a treat. Last time, we heard how an amazing group of people defeated the ICE warehouse here in Shakopee. The Department of Homeland Security is not giving up, and Indivisible has just sent out the information below.

For next Saturday’s protest:

The Department of Homeland Security has been quietly converting warehouses into industrial detention camps to hold and disappear our immigrant neighbors and community members. The decision to target vulnerable groups and warehouse human beings comes straight out of the authoritarian playbook.

Trump’s mass detention agenda is cruel, inhumane, and a threat to all of our rights -- and Indivisible is fighting back.

On April 25, we’re joining with coalition leaders from the Detention Watch Network and Disappeared in America for a nationwide day of action -- and we need your help to make it as big and successful as possible.

Immigrant-led organizations and local activists have been opposing detention expansion for years -- and there are already significant wins in this fight. By the latest count, local activists have stopped 13 proposed warehouse conversions across the country.

But many more warehouses are being proposed -- and there’s a lot more work to do. Together, we can block more sites from being built. We can hold DHS accountable for what’s happening at existing facilities. We can make Trump’s detention agenda too politically toxic to sustain. But this only works if we all play our part.

If you’re ready to take action, click here to view the Communities Not Cages map and find an event near you. Or read on, to learn more about the day of action, how to host your own event, and other ways to get involved.

Our goals and demands

The Communities Not Cages Day of Action is about building a nationwide, coordinated effort to oppose the Trump regime’s mass detention agenda. Together, we’ll:

• Show visible, public opposition to ICE detention expansion. DHS has been hoping it can quietly expand detention capacity and warehouse human beings without the public hearing about it. It’s up to us to raise the alarm, and mobilize our communities in opposition.

• Demand that our elected officials join the fight. We need our local electeds to use every tool they have to disrupt the conversion and construction of detention camps in our communities. They must reject any public funding, permits, or resources that enable detention expansion.

• Build connections with other activists in your community. There may be groups in your area who are already engaged in this work and can help you plug in. If not, you probably have neighbors who are just as concerned as you and are also looking for ways to take action. April 25 is your chance to find those connections and build the resistance in your community.

How you can join the fight

1) Find an event near you on April 25. There are events spread across the country including rallies and protests outside proposed and existing detention warehouses. Register for an event, and invite your friends and neighbors to join you.

2) Volunteer to host your own event. If there are no events near you, the host toolkit will help you organize one in your own community. Whether or not there’s a proposed warehouse location near you, there’s a role for everyone in this fight and we need as many people taking action on April 25 as possible.

3) Check out our resource page for a full breakdown of the Communities Not Cages Day of Action and the broader campaign to oppose Trump’s detention agenda. This page will have everything you need to get started: event toolkits, FAQs, know your rights resources, recorded trainings, and tools to find existing or proposed detention warehouses near you.

In solidarity,
Indivisible Team

There are also many groups now preparing to fight hard to keep the Boundary Waters safe, and I will be sharing more information about them in the coming weeks.

Please remember that we are making a difference. The rapid responders in Carver County made the agents’ jobs so difficult that only a few people were taken. We all worked hard to protect our friends and neighbors by providing food, hygiene products, and rent support so they could remain safe.

We also have people running against Tom Emmer and Jim Nash who are dedicated and have shown up. Joe Brothers was on site when ICE threatened me the first time.

This is just here in Carver County. All across the United States, people are coming together and fighting back.

Let’s keep going. Resist.

Judith

Chaska Protests

Every Friday from 3:00–4:00 p.m. at the corner of Chaska Blvd. and Chestnut Street (Highway 41) [Map]

Every Saturday from 1-2 pm at the corner of Hazeltine Boulevard and Highway 41 (Chestnut) [Map]

Chanhassen Protests

Every Saturday from 10-11 am at 7700 Market Boulevard [Map] Public parking is available behind City Hall.

Norwood Young America

Every Sunday, 11 a.m.–12 p.m. (Line up at the bike path south of Highway 212 and Faxon.)

Victoria

Every Wednesday from 4:30-5:30 pm on the corner of Highway 5 and Victoria Drive/County Rd 11.

Waconia

Every Saturday from 11:30-12:30 pm at Highway 5 and County Road 10 in front of the Starbucks and Jersey Mike’s. [Map]

SW Protectors

Every first and third Tuesday from 6:30 – 8:00 pm. It’s no cost and come and go as you like.

Please do buy something to eat or drink, though, to support our venue, which is The Bellows restaurant and it’s located at 232 Pioneer Trail in Chaska.

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Hello everyone, it has been another eventful week. I miss the days of boring news. This newsletter is filled with announcements and ways to help, so I will keep this brief.

Showing up matters, calling your representatives matters, and voting matters. You are showing your community that there are people who care and who are standing up for what is right, slowly making a difference.

Minnesota just charged its first ICE agent.

People all over the country are voting out the Republicans who have stood by and let the decimation of the nation happen, including in deep red states. Make no mistake, we are fighting for our lives. I am going to keep going, and I hope you will too.

See you Saturday.

Judith

Events

Wednesday, April 29: Joe Brothers for District 48A campaign kickoff, from 6:30 to 8:30 at El Loro Mexican Restaurant, 520 Cherry Dr, Waconia, MN 55387 [Map]

Tuesday, May 19: 6:30 pm at SW Protectors meeting.

Want to make a real impact this election? Start here.

The Dan Kessler for Senate campaign Field Leadership Training isn’t just about one campaign, it’s about unlocking how any supporter can help win elections at every level.

We break down the three things that decide every race: Message, Mobility, and Money. And, more importantly, how everyday people can take action right now. From simple, high-impact social media habits to meaningful conversations with friends and neighbors to flexible at-home volunteering to door knocking with confidence. This training gives you practical tools you can use immediately.

Because here’s the truth: Elections are often decided by small margins and the people who show up, speak up, and take consistent action are the ones who make the difference.

You don’t need to be an expert. You just need to get involved.

Ready to plug in? Attend this training and discover the role that fits you: Whether it’s two minutes a day or a few hours a week, every action matters. And it starts with you.

Tuesday, June 23: Latino Voices fundraiser.

Chaska Protests

Every Friday from 3:00–4:00 p.m. at the corner of Chaska Blvd. and Chestnut Street (Highway 41) [Map]

Every Saturday from 1-2 pm at the corner of Hazeltine Boulevard and Highway 41 (Chestnut) [Map]

Chanhassen Protests

Every Saturday from 10-11 am at 7700 Market Boulevard [Map] Public parking is available behind City Hall.

Norwood Young America

Every Sunday, 11 a.m.–12 p.m. (Line up at the bike path south of Highway 212 and Faxon.)

Victoria

Every Wednesday from 4:30-5:30 pm on the corner of Highway 5 and Victoria Drive/County Rd 11.

Waconia

Every Saturday from 11:30-12:30 pm at Highway 5 and County Road 10 in front of the Starbucks and Jersey Mike’s. [Map]

SW Protectors

Every first and third Tuesday from 6:30 – 8:00 pm. It’s no cost and come and go as you like.

Please do buy something to eat or drink, though, to support our venue, which is The Bellows restaurant and it’s located at 232 Pioneer Trail in Chaska.

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Most Minnesotans have never heard of the Political Contribution Refund program.

That’s a shame, because it’s one of the most useful civic tools in the state, and almost nobody talks about it.

Here’s the short version: if you donate to a qualifying Minnesota state candidate or political party, the state will send you your money back. Up to $75 for an individual. Up to $150 for a married couple filing together. Dollar for dollar.

You pay $50 to a state senate candidate you believe in. The state of Minnesota sends you $50.

That’s it. That’s the program.

Now let’s walk through how it actually works, step by step, so you can use it.

Who qualifies to claim the refund?

You need to be a U.S. citizen, at least 18 years old, and a Minnesota resident. Specifically, you need to have lived in Minnesota for at least 20 days before any 2026 statewide or local election in which you’d be eligible to vote. You also need to be a registered voter or eligible to register.

If a court has rescinded your right to vote, or you have a felony conviction with civil rights not yet restored, you’re not eligible. Otherwise, if you can vote in Minnesota, you can almost certainly use this program.

Which candidates and parties qualify?

This is the part that trips people up, so pay attention.

The PCR program only applies to contributions made to Minnesota state-level candidates and recognized political parties. Specifically: Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, State Auditor, and members of the Minnesota State Senate and House of Representatives.

That’s it.

Federal candidates (your U.S. senator, your U.S. representative, anyone running for president) do not qualify. Judges do not qualify. Your city council member, county commissioner, school board candidate; none of them qualify.

Political party units do qualify. The DFL, the Republican Party of Minnesota, and several others are eligible, right down to precinct and legislative district units, as long as they’re properly registered.

PACs and independent political funds do not qualify.

The other critical requirement: the candidate must have signed a Public Subsidy Agreement (PSA) with the Minnesota Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board before you donate. This is a voluntary pledge by the candidate to accept spending limits in exchange for participating in the PCR program. Most serious campaigns file this early. If they haven’t filed it yet when you donate, your contribution won’t be refundable, even if they file it later.

Before you give to any state candidate, ask the campaign: “Are you PCR-eligible?” Or check the Campaign Finance Board’s website at cfb.mn.gov. This one step will save you a headache.

Step by step: how to get your money back

Step 1. Donate. Make a cash, check, or credit card contribution of at least $10 to a qualifying candidate or party unit. In-kind donations (your time, your stuff) don’t count. Only money.

Step 2. Get your EP-3 receipt. After you donate, the campaign is legally required to send you a Form EP-3 (Minnesota Political Contribution Receipt). This is the document that proves you gave. It must be signed by the candidate, the campaign treasurer, or an authorized party official. Many campaigns mail these; some email them. If you don’t receive one within a few weeks of donating, contact the campaign and ask for it.

Step 3. Wait until you have all your receipts for the year. Here’s an important rule: you can only file one PCR application per year. If you donate to three different candidates, collect all three EP-3 receipts and file them together in a single application. Filing a second application for the same year will get your second claim denied, regardless of how much you’ve already claimed.

Step 4. Fill out the 2026 Form PCR. This is a short form. You’ll need your name, mailing address, Social Security Number, and date of birth. Attach all your EP-3 receipts. Sign it. (Married couples filing jointly need both signatures.)

The form is available at revenue.state.mn.us/political-contribution-refund.

Step 5. Mail it to the Minnesota Department of Revenue. The address is on the form. That’s all. No filing fee. No complex tax math.

Step 6. Get paid. The Department of Revenue typically processes claims in 4 to 6 weeks. If you choose direct deposit on Line 4 of the form (routing number, account number), you’ll get your money faster.

When do you file?

You can file as soon as you have your EP-3 receipt in hand, even in January. You don’t have to wait for tax season.

The final deadline to file for 2026 contributions is April 15, 2027. No extensions. And you can’t amend an application once it’s filed, so get it right the first time.

Pro tip: file in the summer or fall, not in April. The Revenue department processes claims faster when they’re not buried in end-of-season applications.

Common mistakes that get claims denied

Don’t use a nickname on the PCR form if your EP-3 has your legal name. The state’s automated systems flag name mismatches.

Don’t file twice in the same year. One application, with all your receipts attached.

Don’t forget to sign.

Don’t get the Social Security Number wrong.

Don’t donate to a candidate before they’ve signed their PSA.

One more thing: this program may not exist next year

Two bills in the current legislative session (SF3458 and HF3149) would repeal the PCR program entirely, with some versions taking effect as soon as June 30, 2026. Nothing is final as of this writing, but the program is under real political pressure.

If the PCR matters to you, this may be the last year to use it. And if you want to keep it, there are advocacy organizations calling for public support at actionnetwork.org/letters/support-the-minnesota-political-contribution-refund.

Bottom line

Minnesota built a program specifically to make it easier for regular people to participate in state politics. You donate to a candidate you believe in. The state gives you your money back. In a world where billionaires can spend $290 million on a single election cycle, this is how your voice gets to register on equal terms.

Use it.

Get your EP-3. Fill out the form. Mail it in.

And if you’re supporting a state candidate in the Southwest Metro this year, make sure they’re PCR-eligible before you give. The candidates who’ve signed their agreements are ready for your support and the state is ready to pay you back for it.

David

Chaska Protests

Every Friday from 3:00–4:00 p.m. at the corner of Chaska Blvd. and Chestnut Street (Highway 41) [Map]

Every Saturday from 1-2 pm at the corner of Hazeltine Boulevard and Highway 41 (Chestnut) [Map]

Chanhassen Protests

Every Saturday from 10-11 am at 7700 Market Boulevard [Map] Public parking is available behind City Hall.

Waconia

Every Saturday from 11:30-12:30 pm at Highway 5 and County Road 10 in front of the Starbucks and Jersey Mike’s. [Map]

Norwood Young America

Every Sunday, 11 a.m.–12 p.m. (Line up at the bike path south of 212 by Reform Street.)

SW Protectors

Every first and third Tuesday from 6:30 – 8:00 pm. It’s no cost and come and go as you like.

Please do buy something to eat or drink, though, to support our venue, which is The Bellows restaurant and it’s located at 232 Pioneer Trail in Chaska.

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Weekend Recap

The rain held off until right after the protest on Saturday, and 217 of you showed up with signs and enthusiasm. I decided to take my own advice and took a day to recharge yesterday. I will be back on Saturday and hope for dry weather.

Bring Your American Flags

We got word that the Carver County GOP is going to conduct a car parade on Saturday, where they drive in a convoy of vehicles flying Trump flags. they will be sure to be driving past us, so please bring your American flags.

A Personal Note

Not many of you know that I am a naturalized citizen. I came here in the late 80s with my parents. Minnesota in the late 80s was not accustomed to anyone “foreign,” and trying to integrate was hard.

What we missed most, besides family and friends, was the Dutch and Indonesian food I grew up with. Everything tasted different, even the milk. Back then, there was no importing the food we loved and missed so much.

A wonderful member of our protest family has a daughter who lives in the Netherlands and surprised me with the one ingredient I still cannot import. You have no idea how much that meant to me. The flavors of home help with homesickness, memory, and connecting the past with the present.

How You Can Help

Why am I telling you this story?

The United Way is running a project called Flavors of the Community, where they are collecting food staples from different ethnic communities to help people access familiar foods and flavors as they integrate into Minnesota.

You can help by:

• Buying items from the list and dropping them off with the SW Protectors or bringing donations to the protest

• Or ordering from the Amazon wish list

In two weeks, we will pack everything and deliver it.

I hope you will join me in making immigrants feel welcome in Minnesota.

Upcoming Events

• Tommorow, on April 14th, there is a training session for anyone interested in field leadership.

• On Wednesday, April 15th, there is a virtual training opportunity with States at the Core, focusing on how to stop ICE from building its mass deportation infrastructure. I also highly suggest subscribing to their emails.

Upcoming Speakers

I am lining up speakers for SW Protectors:

• April 21: Ellie Krug, speaking about running for school board and local seats

• May 5: Faraz Currimbhoy from the Quba Islamic Center of Chaska, speaking with us

• June 2: Patti from Bountiful Baskets, explaining how food shelves work, where food comes from, and how the process works

• June 16: Adam Moore, candidate for Carver County Sheriff, answering questions

I am continuing to add to the calendar and will update you when I have more.

Final Thoughts

I do not know what this week’s news will bring. I am sure that every day there will be at least one, if not more, “unprecedented” events. I hate that word now.

I do know that we are going to keep going.

Take a day, or more, to recharge. Turn off your phone or the TV when you feel overwhelmed. Talk to a friend or go scream into your pillow.

Then keep going.

We do not stop.

Judith

Chaska Protests

Every Friday from 3:00–4:00 p.m. at the corner of Chaska Blvd. and Chestnut Street (Highway 41) [Map]

Every Saturday from 1-2 pm at the corner of Hazeltine Boulevard and Highway 41 (Chestnut) [Map]

Chanhassen Protests

Every Saturday from 10-11 am at 7700 Market Boulevard [Map] Public parking is available behind City Hall.

Waconia

Every Saturday from 11:30-12:30 pm at Highway 5 and County Road 10 in front of the Starbucks and Jersey Mike’s. [Map]

Norwood Young America

Every Sunday, 11 a.m.–12 p.m. (Line up at the bike path south of 212 by Reform Street.)

SW Protectors

Every first and third Tuesday from 6:30 – 8:00 pm. It’s no cost and come and go as you like.

Please do buy something to eat or drink, though, to support our venue, which is The Bellows restaurant and it’s located at 232 Pioneer Trail in Chaska.

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Tuesday was a difficult day. Maybe you felt like I did, that the people around you were just continuing life as if there was nothing wrong, while the President of the United States had threatened to obliterate 90 million people.

News is coming out at an astonishing pace; war, death, ICE. And while we are watching those things, the USDA just passed a rule that gutted environmental reviews on public lands, is dismantling the Forest Service (with fire season upon us), and, if you saw the proposed budget cuts to pay for this war, they include cuts or complete elimination of housing, K–12 programs, food assistance programs, and so much more.

People all over the USA and the world pushed back after the tweet and made calls to their representatives to step in and stop that madman. I am seeing more people who were behind Trump now rethinking that stance.

At every election in the last few weeks, Democrats have won. People want representatives who will speak truth to power.

Things You Can Do

First, let’s take a deep breath and drop your shoulders. What we are all going through is traumatic, and the constant bad news, disbelief, and all the other feelings and emotions are exhausting. We need to remember what we are fighting for.

I am fighting for my children, for affordable healthcare, and for a livable planet. I am fighting for the right to have control over my own body, and for everyone to get a good education. I am fighting for my friends and community. I love what Paul Wellstone used to say: “We all do better when we all do better.”

What are you fighting for? Think about that and hold on to it tightly.

Now for what you can do: Come protest, of course. Join us at the SW Protectors and spread the word.

You can also help Dan Kessler and Lucy Rehm:

• Volunteer for Dan Kessler’s campaign

• Volunteer for Lucy Rehm’s campaign

On April 14th, there is also a training session for anyone interested in field leadership.

On the 15th, there is a virtual training opportunity with States at the Core, focusing on how to stop ICE from building its mass deportation infrastructure. I also highly suggest subscribing to their emails.

Urgent call

United Way is collecting culturally specific food bags, and the deadline is in two weeks. If you would like to help, please buy the items listed here, or you can use my Amazon list and have them sent directly to me.

Drop-off is available at the protest or the SW Protectors meeting. If those options don’t work, I can come pick them up. If you want to help pack in two weeks, let me know.

These bags are very important, as many food shelves do not always have familiar foods available. These food packs will help address that, and I am hoping we can drop off many of them.

There are many people who are not able to stand up and fight. You and I can.

Let’s do this.

Judith

Chaska Protests

Every Friday from 3:00–4:00 p.m. at the corner of Chaska Blvd. and Chestnut Street (Highway 41) [Map]

Every Saturday from 1-2 pm at the corner of Hazeltine Boulevard and Highway 41 (Chestnut) [Map]

Chanhassen Protests

Every Saturday from 10-11 am at 7700 Market Boulevard [Map] Public parking is available behind City Hall.

Waconia

Every Saturday from 11:30-12:30 pm at Highway 5 and County Road 10 in front of the Starbucks and Jersey Mike’s. [Map]

Norwood Young America

Every Sunday, 11 a.m.–12 p.m. (Line up at the bike path south of 212 by Reform Street.)

SW Protectors

Every first and third Tuesday from 6:30 – 8:00 pm. It’s no cost and come and go as you like.

Please do buy something to eat or drink, though, to support our venue, which is The Bellows restaurant and it’s located at 232 Pioneer Trail in Chaska.

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Most of us don’t think of ourselves as political donors. That word conjures something we’re not: A wealthy person writing a check at a fundraiser, shaking hands with a senator in a hotel ballroom. Someone with access we’ll never have.

But here’s what’s actually true. A $10 donation to a candidate you believe in does something that money can’t fully explain.

It gets counted.

In 2019 and 2020, the Democratic National Committee required presidential debate candidates to hit specific donor thresholds before they could take the stage.

Not dollar totals. Donor counts.

They started at 65,000 unique donors and scaled up to 225,000. The party made a formal, institutional decision that the number of real people who gave, even small amounts, was a legitimate measure of whether a candidate deserved to be taken seriously.

That policy reflected something researchers have documented for years. Political scientist Danielle Thomsen’s 2025 book The Money Signal found that the top fundraiser wins 92% of the time in congressional primaries and general elections.

Not because money buys votes. But because money is a signal: Journalists cover it, donors follow it, and party leaders use it to decide who gets support. A strong fundraising report generates media attention, which generates more donors, which generates more attention. The cycle runs both directions.

Here’s the thing: Self-funded money doesn’t trigger that cycle the way donor money does. Michael Bloomberg spent $1 billion of his own fortune on his 2020 presidential campaign and won zero primaries. Research confirms what Bloomberg’s campaign made impossible to ignore: Voters interpret donations from real people as evidence of real support in a way that personal wealth simply cannot replicate.

So when you give $10 to your city council candidate or your state legislator, you are not just funding a mailer. You are registering your existence as a constituent. You are adding your name to the count that reporters will look at when they decide whether a race is worth covering. You are one of the signals.

That matters especially in local and state races, where the difference between winning and losing can be a few hundred votes, and where a candidate can hit their fundraising threshold without a single megadonor involved.

The scale of what money buys at the top is genuinely staggering. In the 2024 cycle, one donor, Elon Musk, contributed more than $290 million, roughly equivalent to the combined donations of 3 million small-dollar Americans. The top 100 donors outspent millions of grassroots contributors by 60%. This is the landscape we’re operating in.

We can’t match those dollars. But we can change the signal.

Pew Research Center data shows that among Americans who nearly always vote, 21% also donate. Those who follow government closely donate at a rate of 28%. Donating is what engaged citizens do. It deepens the connection. It makes you more likely to put up a yard sign, knock a door, and show up in November.

70% of donors, according to a Bipartisan Policy Center audit [PDF], describe their contributions as “obligated by civic duty,” not as a transaction.

That’s the right frame.
Not investment.
Duty.

The candidates running for your school board, your state house seat, your county commission, they need small donors. Not just for the money. They need the donor count. They need proof that their neighbors are paying attention and choosing to back them up.

Find someone you believe in. Give what you can. Even $10 counts.

It always gets counted.

To find candidates in the Southwest Metro, check the SD48 DFL endorsements or visit mn.gov/sos for your local races. Your contribution is reported publicly once it crosses $200 in aggregate, so small donors have privacy most large donors do not.

Next week, I’ll publish an article about how you can take advantage of Minnesota’s Political Contribution Refund (PCR) program.

David

Chaska Protests

Every Friday from 3:00–4:00 p.m. at the corner of Chaska Blvd. and Chestnut Street (Highway 41) [Map]

Every Saturday from 1-2 pm at the corner of Hazeltine Boulevard and Highway 41 (Chestnut) [Map]

Chanhassen Protests

Every Saturday from 10-11 am at 7700 Market Boulevard [Map] Public parking is available behind City Hall.

Waconia

Every Saturday from 11:30-12:30 pm at Highway 5 and County Road 10 in front of the Starbucks and Jersey Mike’s. [Map]

Norwood Young America

Every Sunday, 11 a.m.–12 p.m. (Line up at the bike path south of 212 by Reform Street.)

SW Protectors

Every first and third Tuesday from 6:30 – 8:00 pm. It’s no cost and come and go as you like.

Please do buy something to eat or drink, though, to support our venue, which is The Bellows restaurant and it’s located at 232 Pioneer Trail in Chaska.

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For the first time since I started coming to the protests a year ago, we had precipitation during the protest itself. There was hail, sleet, and snow, and yet 149 of you still showed up. People driving by were impressed. We heard many honks and saw quite a few people hanging out of their windows cheering.

It is Easter morning as I am writing this, and I just saw the latest post from Trump. It was vile, and a few reporters called it unhinged. Reveling in the death and destruction he is creating is disgusting. Hegseth is also moving through the military, firing anyone he sees as following the Constitution rather than him. The rights of our transgender families and friends are being attacked, along with women’s rights and voting rights. Yes, it is overwhelming. I am overwhelmed, and reporters are saying the same. There is so much to think about and to fight against. There is so much that makes me want to pull my hair out, and not a day goes by when I am not swearing and amazed by the hypocrisy.

And yet, the tide is turning. We are all making a difference.

Chanhassen Protests

Please note that for the next two weeks, the protests in Chanhassen will be at 78th and Kerber, due to construction.

Ways You Can Help

Defeating ICE

On Tuesday, at SW Protectors, David and Monique will talk to us about the framework they used to defeat the proposed contract to rent Carver County jail cells to ICE. (For new subscribers: We host a social meeting every first and third Tuesday at The Bellows in Chaska from 6:30-8 pm. It’s free. Scroll to the bottom for the address.)

Campaign Training

There is a field leadership training on April 14th on how to help win campaigns [REGISTER].

Candidate Meet & Greet

There is a candidate meet and greet at Baylor Park in Norwood Young America on April 18th from 10 a.m. to noon [REGISTER].

Book Club, Anyone?

I have had several people say they would be interested in a book club to talk about the political books they have read and the lessons learned. If you are interested and have books you would like to recommend, please send me a message.

Plus-One Shopping

I would also like to invite you to do a +1 every time you are at the store. When you are shopping, add one thing to donate, whether it is food, cleaning supplies, hygiene products, or simple items like a new pack of socks or underwear. You can drop these off every Saturday at the protest, at SW Protector meetings, or, if none of those work, I can come to you. I will get these items to the groups in Carver County that need them most. We will be doing bigger drives in the near future, but +1 is simple and does not hurt anyone’s budget.

Clothing Closet

Ivy, one of our protesters, has started a free clothing closet and is accepting donations of clean, undamaged, in-trend clothes and shoes for all ages. She has a Facebook page, Carver County Free Clothing Closet, or you can donate at either SW Protectors or the protests. She could also use donations of clear plastic bins or help organizing. Please contact her via Facebook or when you see her at the protest. You cannot miss her, as she has the most amazing colored hair.

Rapid Responders

Shout out to the Rapid Response team here in Chaska and Carver County. They are still patrolling and, this weekend, set up an Easter egg hunt for the kids in vulnerable communities. The Rapid Responders spend many hours each week driving around and dispatching to help protect our community. When a community member is worried about ICE being in a neighborhood, many of us head out immediately. Not once has a call for help gone unanswered.

Welcome, Newcomers!

Shout out also to some first-time protesters who came to No Kings and last week’s protest. The first time is intimidating and sometimes scary, but we welcome you with open arms and hope to continue seeing you.

In the next few weeks and months, things may get worse as Trump tries to hold on. Do not give up. Do not get complacent.

Welcome to the resistance, where we fight every day.

Judith

Chaska Protests

Every Friday from 3:00–4:00 p.m. at the corner of Chaska Blvd. and Chestnut Street (Highway 41) [Map]

Every Saturday from 1-2 pm at the corner of Hazeltine Boulevard and Highway 41 (Chestnut) [Map]

Chanhassen Protests

Every Saturday from 10-11 am at 7700 Market Boulevard [Map] Public parking is available behind City Hall.

Waconia

Every Saturday from 11:30-12:30 pm at Highway 5 and County Road 10 in front of the Starbucks and Jersey Mike’s. [Map]

Norwood Young America

Every Sunday, 11 a.m.–12 p.m. (Line up at the bike path south of 212 by Reform Street.)

SW Protectors

Every first and third Tuesday from 6:30 – 8:00 pm. It’s no cost and come and go as you like.

Please do buy something to eat or drink, though, to support our venue, which is The Bellows restaurant and it’s located at 232 Pioneer Trail in Chaska.

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Winter does not want to let go, it seems. Mother Nature teases us with a day of amazing weather and then several days of gray skies. I hope this Saturday will at least be dry and not so windy.

It is Thursday as I write this, and I am sure you have heard that Pam Bondi was fired. On Wednesday evening, Trump went on TV to tell us that he is winning and is going to obliterate Iran.

Under the Desk News, which I highly recommend listening to or watching, points out that they think this is an attempt by Trump to distract us. From what? That they are lying about U.S. casualties and injuries. Almost every base in the Middle East has been bombed, and most cannot house soldiers anymore. With that many bombings, the number of dead and injured must be higher than what they are telling us. He also said he would commit genocide on 92 million Iranians. Let’s not forget that Israel has now said they are going to continue taking over Lebanon. Oh, and we are already starving Cuba too.

Eight million people stood up at No Kings protests all over the USA, and now we have to keep going. Here in Carver County, a group of us is going to focus on voting rights and making sure everyone goes to vote in 2026. Others are going to help get people like Dan Kessler, Doug Chapin, and Joe Brothers elected. More and more people are trying to spend their money at companies that align with their values. I follow Shop Blue USA on Facebook, and they also have a website at shopblueusa.com that goes over which companies give to the Republican or Democratic Party.

At the protests, we need to keep hammering on the Epstein files and now also on the wars that are killing Americans and will have repercussions that may last decades, if not longer. I am not going to end this newsletter with doom and gloom.

There is so much we can be thankful for. Spring is coming, and Bountiful Baskets also takes donations of homegrown produce. If you have an overabundance this year of tomatoes or zucchini, please consider donating them. Latino Voices will be having their last hygiene deliveries this Friday, as they are going to switch back to the work they had been doing before the surge. They are also moving and will be expanding some services.

Did you see how many kids attended the No Kings protest? We are showing the younger generations how to stand up, and that is amazing.

What are you doing to make a difference? Let me know the next time I see you.

Judith

Upcoming SW Protectors Events

This coming Tuesday, April 7, Monique and David will present a behind-the-scenes review of the strategies and tactics a big group of us used to defeat the potential contract to rent Carver County jail cells to ICE.

On April 21, Ellie Krug will speak about running for School Board Director.

On June 2, Bountiful Baskets will join us for a discussion.

Chaska Protests

Every Friday from 3:00–4:00 p.m. at the corner of Chaska Blvd. and Chestnut Street (Highway 41) [Map]

Every Saturday from 1-2 pm at the corner of Hazeltine Boulevard and Highway 41 (Chestnut) [Map]

Chanhassen Protests

Every Saturday from 10-11 am at 7700 Market Boulevard [Map] Public parking is available behind City Hall.

Waconia

Every Saturday from 11:30-12:30 pm at Highway 5 and County Road 10 in front of the Starbucks and Jersey Mike’s. [Map]

Norwood Young America

Every Sunday, 11 a.m.–12 p.m. (Line up at the bike path south of 212 by Reform Street.)

SW Protectors

Every first and third Tuesday from 6:30 – 8:00 pm. It’s no cost and come and go as you like.

Please do buy something to eat or drink, though, to support our venue, which is The Bellows restaurant and it’s located at 232 Pioneer Trail in Chaska.

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The wind was brutally cold on Saturday, and holding signs was, at times, a challenge. Attendance estimates ranged from 2,600 to 3,000 as people came and went, but one thing is certain: You showed up.

Waconia had its biggest turnout yet, with 300 participants. The signs, the costumes, the flags, and above all, the energy you brought were incredible. Thank you for showing up for democracy.

Gratitude for Volunteers

Our deepest thanks go to the amazing volunteers who made the day possible.

From those who brought drinks and treats, to the teams managing sign libraries, staffing tables, serving as medics, providing security, and greeting participants, you made a real difference.

This effort begins long before anyone arrives. People like Dan, Dave, and Charlie prepare the space by setting cones, checking for ice, and shoveling when needed. Kim brings hot water, cocoa, and treats. The sign library is set up, and everything is ready to welcome you.

This Saturday simply required a larger-scale version of that same dedication.

Notably, our medics had nothing to do; not even a bandage was needed.

The Aztec Dancers

A special thank you to the Aztec dancers. For some, this was their first time participating since ICE came into Minnesota. I am deeply grateful they felt safe enough to join us.

The brass band added a wonderful, festive energy to the day.

Many people also traveled to St. Paul to hear Bruce Springsteen, Bernie Sanders, and Jane Fonda, but I feel confident saying: Ours was the best.

The Bigger Picture

While global numbers are still being calculated, this is shaping up to be the largest protest in U.S. history. You are part of something historic, and we are not done yet.

Protesting is just one way to take action. In the coming weeks and months, we will share concrete steps you can take to continue making a difference.

A Note on Safety

I need to point out that ice is still in Chaska. Last week I was again cornered by them and told they knew my name, where I lived and that they were going to come and arrest me. Their tactics have changed but they are still a threat. It’s not over.

Stay Informed & Take Action

Over the next week, I urge you to stay informed. Follow the news and seek out multiple sources.

Pay particular attention to issues surrounding:

• Mail service

• Mail-in voting

• Voting rights

There is also encouraging news: Joe Brothers will be running again against Jim Nash, giving us a real opportunity to flip another seat. Thank you, Joe, for stepping up.

Once again, thank you all for showing up.

And to every volunteer, this would not be possible without you.

Thank you.

Judith

Chaska Protests

Every Friday from 3:00–4:00 p.m. at the corner of Chaska Blvd. and Chestnut Street (Highway 41) [Map]

Every Saturday from 1-2 pm at the corner of Hazeltine Boulevard and Highway 41 (Chestnut) [Map]

Chanhassen Protests

Every Saturday from 10-11 am at 7700 Market Boulevard [Map] Public parking is available behind City Hall.

Waconia

Every Saturday from 11:30-12:30 pm at Highway 5 and County Road 10 in front of the Starbucks and Jersey Mike’s. [Map]

Norwood Young America

Every Sunday, 11 a.m.–12 p.m. (Line up at the bike path south of 212 by Reform Street.)

SW Protectors

Every first and third Tuesday from 6:30 – 8:00 pm. It’s no cost and come and go as you like.

Please do buy something to eat or drink, though, to support our venue, which is The Bellows restaurant and it’s located at 232 Pioneer Trail in Chaska.

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Congratulations! Our movement keeps growing and you’re why.

Massive national one-day protests like No Kings are very beneficial because they demonstrate growth and build a great deal of awareness due to the media coverage they earn.

But just as important is the sustained public presence we create by showing up every week.

Citizen Media Coverage

Elizabeth Castro shared this video of our Chaska No Kings rally on Facebook.

And, of course, the Chaska Protests Facebook page posted photos of our event. And Julia captured this bald eagle hovering over our protest yesterday!

Local New Coverage

Both the Star Tribune and Minnesota Public Radio live-blogged the day, with MPR also covering protests in St. Cloud and Duluth. All the local TV stations covered the pro-democracy rallies.

The No Kings YouTube channel hosted a livestream of the St. Paul event:

National Coverage

The BBC coverage nationwide, as did others.

Susan Page, writing for US Today, observed:

The organizers' crowd count, not verified by independent analysts, put the total at 8 million people, topping the 7 million estimated at the last "No Kings" day, in October 2025. This time, there were more events scheduled − 3,300 versus 2,700 − and larger crowds reported in some places, boosted in part by opposition to the war in Iran.

The only larger single-day protest ever held in the United States was the first Earth Day in 1970, when an estimated 20 million participated in environmental rallies and teach-ins.

Consider this: In a nation with a population approaching 349 million, the participation of 8 million people means that more than one of every 50 U.S. residents joined a No Kings rally.

Organizers said two-thirds of the participants who signed up lived outside big cities, a 40% increase over last time in those from suburban, small town and rural addresses.

Welcome Newcomers!

Welcome to our hundreds of new subscribers! (And for those of you who attended but haven’t yet subscribed to the Southwest Crier, you can do so for free below.)

A few things to know about the new community you’ve joined:

1. We protest peacefully every Friday, Saturday or Sunday at different locations:

   1. Every Friday from 3-4 pm in downtown Chaska,

   2. Every Saturday from 10-11 am in Chanhassen,

   3. Every Saturday from 11:30-12:30 pm in Waconia,

   4. Every Saturday from 1-2 pm in Chaska (this is the largest one),

   5. Every Sunday from 11-12 pm in Norwood Young America,

   6. (Scroll down futher for location details) .

2. Every first and third Tuesday, many of us gather for a social/educational event called SW Protectors (again, scroll down for details)

3. If you want to get involved in other ways beyond protesting, we post opportunities here at the Southwest Crier. But another great way to do that is to come to the protests, make some connections, find people who have similar interests or passions, and start something yourself. That’s how a group of people who met at the protests defeated a potential contract between ICE and the Carver County Sheriff’s department.

4. We’re angry about where the country is headed, yes, but we’re determined to do something about it and we fight with joy in our hearts and peaceful intent.

Thank you for joining us and welcome, welcome, welcome!

David

Chaska Protests

Every Friday from 3:00–4:00 p.m. at the corner of Chaska Blvd. and Chestnut Street (Highway 41) [Map]

Every Saturday from 1-2 pm at the corner of Hazeltine Boulevard and Highway 41 (Chestnut) [Map]

Chanhassen Protests

Every Saturday from 10-11 am at 7700 Market Boulevard [Map] Public parking is available behind City Hall.

Waconia

Every Saturday from 11:30-12:30 pm at Highway 5 and County Road 10 in front of the Starbucks and Jersey Mike’s. [Map]

Norwood Young America

Every Sunday, 11 a.m.–12 p.m. (Line up at the bike path south of 212 by Reform Street.)

SW Protectors

Every first and third Tuesday from 6:30 – 8:00 pm. It’s no cost and come and go as you like.

Please do buy something to eat or drink, though, to support our venue, which is The Bellows restaurant and it’s located at 232 Pioneer Trail in Chaska.

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On Saturday, the USA will see some of the largest protests in its history. From small towns in deeply red states to St. Paul, Minnesota, the heart of the resistance, we are coming together to stand united.

We are saying no: No to war, to blatant hate, to lies and cover-ups. We are rejecting the cruelty of this administration and the erosion of the most basic rights set out in the Constitution.

Saturday is also a celebration; a celebration of us. Of people building communities. Of people who have come together to protect others by donating time, money, and resources to those the regime has chosen to persecute. It is a celebration of those who joined rapid response teams, got involved in politics, and showed up to protests even when it was 20 below.

This past year has shown me the worst of humanity, but it has also shown me the best.

Chaska hosts the largest weekly protest in Minnesota, and in my opinion, it’s the best, because of all of you.

See you Saturday from 1-3 pm. Here’s a map to help you plan your transportation.

Judith

Chaska Protests

Every Friday from 3:00–4:00 p.m. at the corner of Chaska Blvd. and Chestnut Street (Highway 41) [Map]

Every Saturday from 1-2 pm at the corner of Hazeltine Boulevard and Highway 41 (Chestnut) [Map]

Chanhassen Protests

Every Saturday from 10-11 am at 7700 Market Boulevard [Map] Public parking is available behind City Hall.

Waconia

Every Saturday from 11:30-12:30 pm at Highway 5 and County Road 10 in front of the Starbucks and Jersey Mike’s. [Map]

Norwood Young America

Every Sunday, 11 a.m.–12 p.m. (Line up at the bike path south of 212 by Reform Street.)

SW Protectors

Every first and third Tuesday from 6:30 – 8:00 pm. It’s no cost and come and go as you like.

Please do buy something to eat or drink, though, to support our venue, which is The Bellows restaurant and it’s located at 232 Pioneer Trail in Chaska.

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We were spoiled this past Saturday with amazing weather, and some of us even got sunburned. We had 345 people at the protest, and afterward volunteers stayed to gather information for the No Kings Protest next Saturday.

It’s becoming increasingly difficult to create signs that address all the issues emerging every day. We especially need more antiwar messages and signs addressing proposals like taking over Cuba, Greenland, and more.

And now ICE may be working at the airport alongside TSA? A group of untrained, overzealous, masked men at an airport sounds like a disaster waiting to happen.

If you’re good at making signs, please consider donating some and bringing them to the sign library this Saturday at the transit center. That’s where Dave and I will be stationed.

Spread the Word

Please continue sharing information about our protests and encouraging others to join. Bring a friend, family member, or anyone else.

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Help For One Of Our Own

One of our own has suffered an unimaginable tragedy. Andie’s (who organizes the Waconia weekly protest) step-sister, Jennifer, and her 5-year-old son were tragically and unexpectedly taken from their family on March 17 as a result of domestic violence.

Please donate what you can to help pay for the funeral and related expenses.

Donations Needed, Latino Voices

This week, Latino Voices is in need of the following items:

• Dish soap

• Fabuloso

• Shampoo

• Body wash

• Conditioner

• Deodorant

• Suavitel

We’ve run out of containers for dividing large bottles, so please bring regular-sized items only.

Latino Voices will also be moving into a new space soon and will need help with moving and setup. I will share details when that is scheduled.

In the coming months, I will also provide ways to support other organizations, including Bountiful Baskets, Southern Valley Alliance, and the Humane Society.

Local Updates

At the Carver County Democratic Convention this past Saturday, I spoke with the two candidates running for Carver County Sheriff. I invited both to speak with SW Protectors, and they agreed. I will share scheduling details soon.

Endorsed candidates:

• Dan Kessler, Minnesota Senate District 48

• Lucy Rehm, State House District 48B

• Joe Brothers, State House District 48A

• Doug Chapin, US Congressional District 6 (against Emmer)

All are seeking volunteers and support. You can connect with them at protests, SW Protectors meetings, or through their websites.

In the coming weeks, we will also focus on protecting voting rights, how they are being challenged, and what we can do.

But first, No Kings.

No Kings Protest Details

Are you ready?

Time: 1:00 to 3:00 PM
Moment of silence: 2:00 PM for two minutes
Location: Top of the hill by Aldi

The Aztec dancers will be present and will lead a memorial for Renee Good, Alex Pretti, and all those who have been murdered, harassed, or kidnapped by ICE. You are welcome to bring photos, flowers, or items to place at the altar.

The dancers will also move along the protest route, so everyone will have a chance to see them.

Safety & Logistics

Please do not step into the road or obstruct traffic.

Use caution when crossing streets.

Volunteer marshals wearing yellow, blue, or red vests will be along the route.

Counters will be tracking attendance and will share totals around 2:45 PM.

Parking is available near all protest locations. Please spread out along the route to maximize visibility and impact.

What to Bring

• Signs

• Chairs, for yourself or others who may need one

• Snacks and drinks

• Costumes, inflatables, bells, but no whistles

• Friends and your enthusiasm

Please check the Friday newsletter for any last-minute updates.

Have a great week, everyone!

Judith

Chaska Protests

Every Friday from 3:00–4:00 p.m. at the corner of Chaska Blvd. and Chestnut Street (Highway 41) [Map]

Every Saturday from 1-2 pm at the corner of Hazeltine Boulevard and Highway 41 (Chestnut) [Map]

Chanhassen Protests

Every Saturday from 10-11 am at 7700 Market Boulevard [Map] Public parking is available behind City Hall.

Waconia

Every Saturday from 11:30-12:30 pm at Highway 5 and County Road 10 in front of the Starbucks and Jersey Mike’s. [Map]

Norwood Young America

Every Sunday, 11 a.m.–12 p.m. (Line up at the bike path south of 212 by Reform Street.)

SW Protectors

Every first and third Tuesday from 6:30 – 8:00 pm. It’s no cost and come and go as you like.

Please do buy something to eat or drink, though, to support our venue, which is The Bellows restaurant and it’s located at 232 Pioneer Trail in Chaska.

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Congratulations to you all for earning the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award^®!

I know it’s an honor none of you sought out nor would have traded the price our state paid for it but regardless, it is well-deserved.

The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum states that:

The people of the Twin Cities of Minnesota will be honored with a John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award^® for risking their lives to protect their neighbors and immigrant community members from an unprecedented federal law enforcement operation, peacefully defending the human rights and values that serve as the foundation of our Constitutional democracy.

And:

The people of the Twin Cities responded with extraordinary courage and resolve. Tens of thousands took to the streets to peacefully protest federal overreach and threats to immigrant families and constitutional protections, while others documented enforcement activity and alerted neighbors to federal agents’ presence. Faith leaders organized demonstrations, community groups built rapid-response networks, labor leaders and small business defended workers, and volunteers provided critical support and resources. Across religious, racial, and political lines, a broad coalition of residents of the Twin Cities and surrounding suburbs united in peaceful resistance despite violent confrontation and real personal risk, defending their neighbors’ rights and strengthening the national movement to protect American democracy.

That is you. That is your efforts and your work that is being recognized.

Let’s take a moment to appreciate how these weekly rallies have contributed to the defense of our democratic way of life.

A Beacon of Hope

The fact that hundreds of citizens take an hour out of their lives every week to make their voices heard, publicly, gives comfort to people who feel the same as we do that they are not alone.

The fact that our numbers keep growing give people hope that change is possible.

Perhaps most importantly, our presence week-in and week-out gives comfort and hope to the most vulnerable of our neighbors who have been cruelly targeted that they are not alone and that we have their back.

Public Demonstration Of Demands For Change

The weekly presence and the signs you all hold up are quite literally petitioning your government to redress your grievances.

These public demonstrations put elected officials on notice and give political cover to those who would take up our cause. Courage is contagious.

Strengthening Community

The connections, coalitions and friendships that are made during our weekly gatherings lead to greater community strength and resiliance. The groups that formed as a result of our weekly rallies had very tangible effects.

Food Drives

The donations of food and essentials you all so generously contributed helped sustain our neighbors too terrified to leave home during the ICE invasion.

Rapid Response Networks

Many of you took to the streets to monitor ICE activity in our community, patrol neighborhoods, ensure kids got to school and back, and watched guard over houses of worship so people could express their faith without fear.

ICE Contract Defeated

And a group of you organized to pressure the Carver County Board of Commissioners and Sheriff Kamerud to abandon pursuit of a contract to rent our jail cells to ICE.

These efforts built real organizational, communication and political skill. These connections, relationships, and friendships will persist and serve other purposes and political challenges yet unknown.

While we have no illusions that there is much more work to be done, do take a moment to pat yourself on the back and acknowledge the good work you have done.

And don’t let anyone tell you that protests are just “noise,” least of all a politician.

David

Chaska Protests

Every Friday from 3:00–4:00 p.m. at the corner of Chaska Blvd. and Chestnut Street (Highway 41) [Map]

Every Saturday from 1-2 pm at the corner of Hazeltine Boulevard and Highway 41 (Chestnut) [Map]

Chanhassen Protests

Every Saturday from 10-11 am at 7700 Market Boulevard [Map] Public parking is available behind City Hall.

Waconia

Every Saturday from 11:30-12:30 pm at Highway 5 and County Road 10 in front of the Starbucks and Jersey Mike’s. [Map]

Norwood Young America

Every Sunday, 11 a.m.–12 p.m. (Line up at the bike path south of 212 by Reform Street.)

SW Protectors

Every first and third Tuesday from 6:30 – 8:00 pm. It’s no cost and come and go as you like.

Please do buy something to eat or drink, though, to support our venue, which is The Bellows restaurant and it’s located at 232 Pioneer Trail in Chaska.

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One of our amazing volunteers, Ken, had a wonderful idea for the next protest: gathering everyone wearing red knit hats for a large group photo. I love the idea; however, with warmer weather this weekend, winter hats may not be necessary. We may need to switch to summer gear instead.

No Kings Preparation

If you are a volunteer, or would like to volunteer, for the No Kings Protest on March 28, please stay after this week’s protest and gather in the Kohl’s parking lot to review plans.

If you have signs or flags you’d like to donate to our sign library, please see Dave in the blue vest.

As you begin thinking about where to stand during the No Kings protest, please be mindful of those who use walkers, have strollers, or have disabilities. If you’re able to walk a short distance, please do so and leave closer parking spaces for those who need them.

Latino Voices

Latino Voices is beginning to shift focus back to other services, but we still have a few more weeks of support ahead. This Sunday, we are especially in need of:

• Toilet paper

• Shampoo

• Deodorant

We are also continuing to collect prom dresses, men’s formal wear, and shoes to help teens have a memorable prom. Donations can be dropped off with Kim at the concession stand or at my car.

As national events continue to unfold, many of us feel a deep urgency to speak out. We need to push back and show the world that this leadership does not represent us or our values.

Closer to home, a judge has sided with the administration in a case involving Liam, the young boy in the bunny hat who was taken by ICE and sent to Texas before Minnesotans fought to bring him back. ICE activity continues in our communities. We protest for those who cannot.

See you Saturday.

Judith

Chaska Protests

Every Friday from 3:00–4:00 p.m. at the corner of Chaska Blvd. and Chestnut Street (Highway 41) [Map]

Every Saturday from 1-2 pm at the corner of Hazeltine Boulevard and Highway 41 (Chestnut) [Map]

Chanhassen Protests

Every Saturday from 10-11 am at 7700 Market Boulevard [Map] Public parking is available behind City Hall.

Waconia

Every Saturday from 11:30-12:30 pm at Highway 5 and County Road 10 in front of the Starbucks and Jersey Mike’s. [Map]

Norwood Young America

Every Sunday, 11 a.m.–12 p.m. (Line up at the bike path south of 212 by Reform Street.)

SW Protectors

Every first and third Tuesday from 6:30 – 8:00 pm. It’s no cost and come and go as you like.

Please do buy something to eat or drink, though, to support our venue, which is The Bellows restaurant and it’s located at 232 Pioneer Trail in Chaska.

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256 people came out on Saturday before the snow started to fly.

Our new sign library has officially opened and will be managed by Dave. We now have signs and flags available, and if you ever want to donate your own signs, please let us know.

Over the next few weeks we will continue building the library. We are especially looking for anti-war signs, signs addressing the censorship happening in the news, and signs about other issues that may arise in the coming days and weeks.

Lately I keep thinking that the hypocrisy and stupidity can’t get any worse, and then it does. I just read that Trump is now planning to make it easier for migrants to work on U.S. farms because there is such a desperate need for farm workers. Just two months ago we saw ICE agents chasing farm laborers through the fields. I think many of us have moments like this every day when we read something that completely boggles the mind. Each time it feels like my brain short-circuits a little.

The fundraising photos he sent out—standing over the casket of a fallen soldier while wearing his baseball cap—made me want to scream. This was someone who died for the country, and yet the president couldn’t even take a moment without making it about himself.

I’m writing this on Sunday evening, and I just glanced at my phone to see that Newt Gingrich posted that we should cut a new channel with nukes to bypass the Strait of Hormuz. I have a T-shirt that says “Make politics boring again,” and I feel that sentiment every single day.

But while Trump and his cronies are making a mockery of so much, we are building community in remarkable ways.

As we were setting up for the protest, someone stopped by to drop off donations for Latino Voices. Others arrived early to help set up the coffee and treats table, and several of you helped assemble our flags.

Did you know that since the ICE surge began, both the mosque and the church that serves many Latino parishioners have had volunteers standing guard? Volunteers show up no matter the weather or the time of day. People are also patrolling in their cars to watch for ICE activity, and when someone in the community calls because they’re worried about a suspicious vehicle, volunteers respond.

Even today, despite the snow and dangerous roads, when a call came in, volunteers went out.

This is happening all over our state, and it is spreading: kindness, community, and strength. Remaining kind and committed to building community in times like these is not easy, but people are doing it every day.

We are now preparing for the No Kings Protest on March 28.

This coming Saturday, on March 21, I’m asking all volunteers to stay after the protest to receive their vests and instructions. If you haven’t had a chance to volunteer yet but would like to, please stay after the protest so we can prepare together for the biggest protest yet.

I truly can’t do this without all of you, so please spread the word.

Judith

Expanded Protest & Parking Options for No Kings 3

Upcoming Events

Workshop with Elie Kruger

Choosing Hope: A Garment, a Ripple, and a Button [Register]
March 19

Elie also protests every Friday from 3–4 p.m. at the corner of Chaska Boulevard and Highway 41, and everyone is invited to join her.

Chaska Protests

Every Friday from 3:00–4:00 p.m. at the corner of Chaska Blvd. and Chestnut Street (Highway 41) [Map]

Every Saturday from 1-2 pm at the corner of Hazeltine Boulevard and Highway 41 (Chestnut) [Map]

Chanhassen Protests

Every Saturday from 10-11 am at 7700 Market Boulevard [Map] Public parking is available behind City Hall.

Waconia

Every Saturday from 11:30-12:30 pm at Highway 5 and County Road 10 in front of the Starbucks and Jersey Mike’s. [Map]

Norwood Young America

Every Sunday, 11 a.m.–12 p.m. (Line up at the bike path south of 212 by Reform Street.)

SW Protectors

Every first and third Tuesday from 6:30 – 8:00 pm. It’s no cost and come and go as you like.

Please do buy something to eat or drink, though, to support our venue, which is The Bellows restaurant and it’s located at 232 Pioneer Trail in Chaska.

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I am writing this on Thursday morning, which means that by the time you read this, about a dozen other things will likely have happened to shift the Trump narrative on the war he started, gas prices, the Epstein files, and the 96 billion dollars Hegseth wasted in one month on things like crab legs. I had to read that last one several times and then fact-check it with multiple sources because I could not believe it was possible. Representative Emmer is still fully in support of all of this, but I am seeing momentum growing to vote him out.

Let’s look at some good news, because I think we can all use some right now.

ICE is still here, but they are less violent and are no longer simply stopping people because of the color of their skin. They have changed tactics, and although they remain a real threat, many of our Hispanic neighbors are able to return to work with less fear.

Because of that shift, Latino Voices will begin winding down their hygiene and cleaning drives over the next month. That does not mean we no longer need donations. I am asking you to do it one more time so that during this final month we can still help people and bridge the gap while families focus on catching up on rent and other bills.

As always, you can use the Amazon wish list or drop items off at my car during the protest. We are now limiting what we distribute, so the items we still need are:

• Toilet paper and paper towels

• Deodorant

• Body wash

• Shampoo and conditioner

• Suavitel

• Size 5 and Size 7 diapers

• Size 5T–6T diapers

• Diaper cream

• Dish soap

• Disinfecting wipes

Latino Voices is also starting Project Cinderella to help make prom night possible for local high schoolers.

You can drop off donations at the protest or contact me directly.

Other good news: spring and the sun are slowly but surely returning. Soon we will have to switch from hot cocoa and coffee at the protests to popsicles and iced water again.

At the SW Protectors meeting, many of you shared great ideas about speakers you would like to see and additional things we could do. I am already lining up speakers from Bountiful Baskets, Southern Valley Alliance, and more.

Another piece of encouraging news: the Minnesota model of resistance is now being used across the United States. Even in conservative towns in southern states, people are starting to protest.

The Chaska protests are also starting their own sign library. If you would like to donate a sign, please talk to Dave in the blue vest.

For No Kings, we now have the date and time, plenty of parking, and dancers coming. Now we just need you. Show up on March 28, spread out, bring signs and snacks, bring your friends, and spread the word. We want to make this one the most impactful yet. For that to happen—for our message to be heard—we need people to show up.

Numbers and optics matter. Let’s do this.

Judith

Chaska Protests

Every Friday from 3:00–4:00 p.m. at the corner of Chaska Blvd. and Chestnut Street (Highway 41) [Map]

Every Saturday from 1-2 pm at the corner of Hazeltine Boulevard and Highway 41 (Chestnut) [Map]

Chanhassen Protests

Every Saturday from 10-11 am at 7700 Market Boulevard [Map] Public parking is available behind City Hall.

Waconia

Every Saturday from 11:30-12:30 pm at Highway 5 and County Road 10 in front of the Starbucks and Jersey Mike’s. [Map]

Norwood Young America

Every Sunday, 11 a.m.–12 p.m. (Line up at the bike path south of 212 by Reform Street.)

SW Protectors

Every first and third Tuesday from 6:30 – 8:00 pm. It’s no cost and come and go as you like.

Please do buy something to eat or drink, though, to support our venue, which is The Bellows restaurant and it’s located at 232 Pioneer Trail in Chaska.

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Thank You to Our Volunteers

It wasn’t as warm as advertised, and the sun didn’t appear until the last five minutes of the protest—but 329 of you showed up and stood up for our rights. We have such amazing volunteers!

• Charlie and Dave cleared the path of snow before everyone arrived and helped Kim set up the coffee and treats.

• Dan set up the cones and even made extra handicapped parking signs for those who need them.

• Cory greeted everyone as they walked up.

• Jen was talking with people along the line, encouraging and supporting everyone.

• We also have a new medic, Harp, and Max was connecting with people further down the line.

Thank you to everyone who helped make the day a success.

The March 28 Protest: Be Part of History

On March 28, we have a chance to be part of history for No Kings 3.

The 3.5% rule comes from research by a Harvard scientist who found that no government has been able to withstand sustained resistance from more than 3.5% of its population. That means participation matters. Everyone who can attend should show up and take a stand that day.

Based on issues we experienced at past protests, we are making two key improvements this time:

1. Parking

2. Crowding, especially near Aldi and the dental office, where people were sometimes eight deep and it was difficult to walk.

To address this, we will spread out over a larger area. This will make parking easier and help people see just how many of us are standing together.

Parking and Protest Locations

212 Transit Station

• 425 parking spots available

• Cross at the stoplight and spread northward

• We can protest on the bridge and be seen from Highway 212

• Please do not hang anything off the bridge

212 Medical Center Area

• We can stand in front of the medical center (but do not park there)

• Parking is available along nearby neighborhood streets and at the nearby school and park

Target Area

• Target parking lot

• High school and middle school lots

• Lakeview Clinic

• Parking lot near Kwik Trip and Dairy Queen

Additional Areas

• Cub Foods

• Goodwill

• Nearby commercial areas

• Our usual protest location

Please do not park across the road at the apartment buildings.

Supplies and Community Support

Refreshments will be available at:

• Our usual location

• The Transit Center

There will also be a sign library at each location.

I often talk about community, and this is one of the moments when we truly need it. Please consider helping by:

• Carpooling

• Bringing extra signs for people who may not have one

• Bringing a cooler with refreshments to share

Because the protest area will be larger this time, I also encourage you to bring a chair.

Wear your costumes, bring your cowbells, and get ready to stand up for democracy.

Looking Ahead

I know this was a long newsletter. I’ll share more information in the next one, including updates on upcoming Southwest Protectors speakers and additional ways we can make a difference.

Current Wish List for Latino Voices

The biggest needs by Wednesday are:

• Toilet paper

• Paper towels

• Shampoo

• Dryer sheets

• Dish soap

Amazon Wishlist.

Training Opportunity

Judith

Chaska Protests

Every Friday from 3:00–4:00 p.m. at the corner of Chaska Blvd. and Chestnut Street (Highway 41) [Map]

Every Saturday from 1-2 pm at the corner of Hazeltine Boulevard and Highway 41 (Chestnut) [Map]

Chanhassen Protests

Every Saturday from 10-11 am at 7700 Market Boulevard [Map] Public parking is available behind City Hall.

Waconia

Every Saturday from 11:30-12:30 pm at Highway 5 and County Road 10 in front of the Starbucks and Jersey Mike’s. [Map]

Norwood Young America

Every Sunday, 11 a.m.–12 p.m. (Line up at the bike path south of 212 by Reform Street.)

SW Protectors

Every first and third Tuesday from 6:30 – 8:00 pm. It’s no cost and come and go as you like.

Please do buy something to eat or drink, though, to support our venue, which is The Bellows restaurant and it’s located at 232 Pioneer Trail in Chaska.

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