Empathy Is Civic Infrastructure

In times of fear, empathy isn’t a feeling, it’s a lifeline. Ray explains how neighbors become protectors.

A note from Judith:

It was a cold and windy Saturday but Kim kept everyone supplied with hot beverages, and Doug Chapin arrived with his Democracy Rescue rig—a refurbished ambulance—which he opened as a warming area.

134 of you came out to spread hope and stand up for democracy just before the holidays.

I got to play Santa and handed out buttons that read I AM ANTIFA, my present to all of you. I hope you wear them with pride! These buttons wouldn’t have been possible without Max and Amanda, two amazing volunteers who designed and assembled them.

We also have a new name for Drinking Liberally. From now on, our meetings on the first and third Tuesday of each month at The Bellows (details below) will be called SW Protectors.

I recently attended a training on how to deal with ICE, and the group referred to themselves as “protectors.” That word really resonated with me, because that’s exactly what we are doing.

We are protecting our families and our communities. We are protecting democracy, the Constitution, a free press, and so much more. I hope you will join us. We are planning speakers and trainings and look forward to continuing to build community together.

I want to wish you all happy holidays. I hope to see you all next Saturday!

P.S. Ray wrote an amazing article on empathy and it feels especially fitting for this season:

Why Empathy Matters

Chaska Protests

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

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.