Winter Resistance: Supporting Our Neighbors, Strengthening Our Community

Standing with immigrant communities & keeping our protests strong through the Minnesota winter.

A note from Judith:

Another cold Saturday is coming up, but thankfully Kim will be there with hot cocoa and coffee. Dave will continue collecting donations for WeCan, an organization doing vital work for our community. Our volunteers have even purchased dog-safe salt for the pathway so our four-legged protestors can join us safely.

I hope you’ll continue to show up despite the weather. Now more than ever, our Somali and Central and South American neighbors need to see that we stand with them and are committed to pushing back against ICE activity in Minnesota.

Community members across the Twin Cities are reporting increased kidnappings, so our oppostion, visibility and solidarity are critical.

Community Gathering Updates

Mike has stepped back from hosting Drinking Liberally. I’ll be taking over as we rename and refresh the get-togethers. I’m collecting name ideas—please send them my way!

We will keep the same schedule, and I’m lining up speakers. I’ve reached out to Monarca, the group working to prevent ICE detentions in our neighborhoods, and I hope to bring in Somali and Hispanic community members as well.

I’m also planning a brief Politics 101 refresher on caucuses, important dates, and local processes. If you have other suggestions, please email them.

I’ll notify you of upcoming speakers as soon as dates are confirmed. If we ever need to cancel either the protest or the Tuesday gatherings, I will send an update as quickly as possible.

How to Support

Many people have asked who pays for coffee, treats, safety supplies, and other needs. Daniel Skripka—a retired police officer—volunteers his time to help. Many volunteers contribute out of pocket: For example, Andi and I purchased the whistles we’ve been handing out ourselves, and Andi printed and assembled all the little booklets.

Any money you give goes directly back into supporting the group at protests. If you’d like to help, please give cash to Kim at the coffee table. We are entirely grassroots, not a nonprofit, and we’re grateful for every contribution. Most of all, we’re grateful that you continue to show up.

Looking forward to seeing you—bundled in hats, scarves, and big winter coats!

Here’s an infographic David created based on his post about tips for winter protesting preparedness. (If you want to share it with your own networks, just right-click and choose Save Image from the pop-up menu.)

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]

Drinking Liberally (or To Be Determined)

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.