Organizing Works: Local Support Efforts and the Road to March 28

Donation drives, community solidarity, and a growing protest movement.

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.