Worker protection stories: Building an equitable Minneapolis
Climate justice encapsulates more than working against climate change. Working toward sustainability must not only be about the environment, but about protecting the people in our community as well. The city of Minneapolis owes its vibrancy to the hard work and dedication of countless individuals who put in the physical labor to build it. Unfortunately,… Read more »
Stories of building energy efficiency for stronger, healthier communities
Building energy leaks are one of the greatest sources of fossil fuel consumption in the cold Midwest, and sealing and heating upgrades are one of the most in-demand services on residential and commercial buildings. These upgrades, room by room and building by building, are one of the most promising opportunities to cut down on greenhouse… Read more »
Looking back and looking forward: How organizing in 2022 led to wins in 2023
There is a lot of reason for optimism in 2023 as a climate-concerned majority in the Minnesota House and Senate passed ambitious legislation to reduce carbon emissions and ensure a just transition to clean energy. Earlier this year, we saw our legislators pass 100% Clean Energy — the result of a five-year grassroots campaign —… Read more »
Treaty Education in Action
For nine weeks in the spring of 2023, we peacefully held space in an 1855 Sugarbush/Treaty Camp while protecting approximately 600 acres of wilderness located in the Buena Vista State Forest in Northern MN. The Buena Vista state forest is owned by the State of Minnesota and was slated for timber sale/bid in spring 2023.… Read more »
Regenerative agriculture in the MN legislature
NOTE: This is the second of a two-part series on the 2023 Farm Bill. Part 1 offers insight into the federal level and Part 2 examines support in the Minnesota legislature. In this year’s midterm elections, a few key issues drove voters to the polls: reproductive rights, inflation, and public safety. But this year’s… Read more »
Midterm election impact on regenerative agriculture in the 2023 Farm Bill | Federal outlook
NOTE: This is the first of a two-part series on the 2023 Farm Bill. Part 1 offers insight into the federal level and Part 2 examines support in the Minnesota legislature. In this year’s midterm elections, a few key issues drove voters to the polls: reproductive rights, inflation, and public safety. But this year’s… Read more »
So much is possible in 2023!
The midterm elections are over (thank goodness!), and the good news is that the allies of fossil fuel companies have a bit less influence in our government to delay climate policy that is much needed. We can now accomplish more at the state level in terms of bold climate policy. What is possible in 2023?… Read more »
In favor of community-centered advocacy
No matter where in Minnesota you come from, you deserve to live in an environment where air, water, and soil are clean, fresh, and renewable. Communities should be affordable and accessible, with attainable climate-friendly standards. And community-centered advocacy is the key to defining those standards and holding leaders accountable to them. I grew up in… Read more »
Get Out The Vote Block Party built trust and people power
On Oct. 22, 2022, we gathered for a day of community building during the Get Out the Vote Block Party in Bemidji, MN. Our intention was to build positive relationships and people power leading up to November 8, 2022, and beyond. Because we do better together! Through community building we cultivate powerful political and community… Read more »
Clean Plate Club Restaurant: Butter Bakery
Dan Swenson-Klatt opened Butter Bakery in 2006 with the idea of community in mind. In a culture full of restaurants disconnected from their customers, their ingredients, and their workers, it’s more important than ever to ask what it means to encourage and support one another, what it means to be a good neighbor, and what… Read more »
