Stay Focused. Keep Going.

When the headlines overwhelm us, we return to what we can control: community, courage, and local action.

A Note From Judith:

The snow didn’t show up but 310 of you did, and six of you even brought your dogs. I love seeing the inflatable costumes, and I especially love the color they bring to our protests.

On Saturday, I woke up to news that we were at war with Iran. Every day it’s something new; something alarming, something difficult to process. By the time you read this on Monday, I’m sure there will be yet another headline competing for our attention, pulling us away from conversations about the Epstein files.

Don’t let the constant barrage overwhelm you. The distractions exist for a reason. In the end, he and his friends are guilty of horrific crimes.

So let’s focus on what we can control and what we can do.

• We can protest.

• We can think critically about the news and seek out reliable, diverse sources of information.

• We can get involved in local politics: From attending your town’s city council meetings to running for school board.

School boards matter. They can undermine our children’s education by restricting access to diversity in learning, including special education services, or by banning LGBTQI students from forming school groups.

They influence which books students read and what is included in the curriculum. These decisions have lasting consequences for our students’ futures.

Representative Emmer has done nothing for his constituents and has even urged ICE to continue its actions. We need to vote him out. That will make a difference in Minnesota.

Get involved in local politics.

On Tuesday at 6:30 p.m., SW Protectors will meet at the Bellows. We’ll discuss the next No Kings protest on March 28th and share ideas about what else we can do, both as a group and as individuals. I hope you’ll join us.

We have a need for some supplies by Wednesday morning for local families. Most urgent is suavitel, paper towels, hand soap, all purpose cleaning spray, toilet paper, disinfecting wipes, mouth wash for kids and adults dish soap and size 7 diapers. You can use our Amazon wishlist. Thank you so much for supporting local families!

I want to leave you with this:

If you’re showing up to protests, attending SW Protectors, or simply reading this newsletter, you are part of the resistance. You care. You want change. You want to protect others.

You still have hope.

Hope is what keeps us going. Some days I lose a bit of it, just for a moment, but then I see or speak with one of you, and it comes back full force.

After the protest Saturday, I met with a group of you. The room was loud; everyone talking at once. I said, “Hey everyone, I need help.”

The room went completely silent. Every single person immediately focused and was ready to step in.

That is extraordinary.

You are extraordinary.

Thank you.

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.