Back in September, we'd posted Worthington anti-government school group leader has a sad about Washington Post article. It's not a pretty story, but Minnesotans have been pushing back on narrative and the frame.
The referendum vote in tomorrow, and the Worthington Globe's Leah Ward reported Sunday in Referendum spurs canvassing efforts:
A coalition of community organizations facilitated weekend canvassing efforts in advance of Tuesday's Independent School District 518 referendum, and four Minnesota state representatives came to encourage the advocates and lend their support.
"We have to support each other, because there aren't that many of us," said Aida Simon. She explained that Unidos Minnesota, Seeds of Justice and Education Minnesota collaborated to organize community outreach efforts.
The cafeteria at St. Mary's Church became a phone bank filled with people calling potential "yes" voters and asking for their support. Other concerned community members dispersed into Worthington's residential neighborhoods and knocked on doors, reaching out to people and making sure they knew when, where and how to vote.
igh school students Eugenio Lopez and Adiyam Gebremedhin explained that they see the need for additional school space firsthand every day.
"Our schools are very crowded, especially the high school," said Gebremedhin.
"I call the stairs I-35, because that's exactly how it is," added Lopez.
Canvassers were joined by prominent community leaders, such as Lori Dudley from the ISD 518 school board, 2018 candidate for Minnesota House of Representatives Cheniqua Johnson and Mike Potter, UFCW Local 663 Director of Packing.
Difficulties passing a school referendum have drawn statewide attention to Worthington. Four members of the Minnesota House of Representatives visited Worthington Saturday to visit with those concerned about the referendum and add their own voices to the throng.
House Majority Leader Ryan Winkler, DFL-Golden Valley, addressed the crowd of young canvassers and told them that he envisions Minnesota as "a state built on everybody mattering and counting." He promised to advocate for education across the state. . . .
Reps. Fue Lee (DFL-Minneapolis), Aisha Gomez (DFL-Minneapolis) and Jay Xiong (DFL-St. Paul) also encouraged the young crowd and thanked them for their time and work. . . .
Read the entire article at the Globe.
We were alerted to the canvassing effort by tweets from Winkler, Gomez, Lee and Xiong and others. Here are some highlights:
Huge shout out to @UnidosMN, @SEIU26, @UFCW663, & @EducationMN for their work in building power in communities like Worthington. To Jessica, Aida, Lety, @emiliavalos, Sara Lopez, @demoerke, @Winkelaar & countless others - your work matters & MN is better because of it pic.twitter.com/oeCBmPE34O
— Paul Cumings (@paulcumings) November 3, 2019
I just got home from Worthington. You know who is still in Worthington still working with community members to help build organizing power? Yup, @RepAishaGomez. She is a compassionate force for good. pic.twitter.com/4WB3KN5Xaw
— Paul Cumings (@paulcumings) November 3, 2019
Me & the best canvass team ever are still here knocking doors and talking about supporting Worthington kids!
— Aisha Gomez (@RepAishaGomez) November 3, 2019
Big 🙏 to @_RyanWinkler for seeing that this is important and all the ways his office mobilized to support. And of course @EducationMN +@SEIU26- partners in justice💜
To our Worthington youth. I walk with you all because I know this path. And I stand with you all because I know we will all make America stronger. Keeping fighting. You give me hope. #mnleg pic.twitter.com/DC1peiqFbE
— Jay Xiong (@RepJayXiong) November 2, 2019
I’m honored to be with the youth of Worthington today and this growing immigrant community that is working to improve their schools and build a better state. Immigrants are critical to Minnesota’s future success. Their concerns matter and their voice is what is needed right now. pic.twitter.com/dDeVldPJOv
— Ryan Winkler (@_RyanWinkler) November 2, 2019
The amazing @RepAishaGomez training these young organizers for the Vote Yes! campaign in Worthington, MN! pic.twitter.com/ht7k3iJCQd
— Fue Lee (@RepFueLee) November 2, 2019
Let's hope that the GOTV effort bears fruit tomorrow for Worthington's school children.
Photo: The #mnleg canvas team in Worthington. Via Rep. Jay Xiong's twitter feed.
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