The Tide Is Turning

Even in the storm, this movement is growing stronger.

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.