From the Office of Council Member Elizabeth Shaffer:

Each month I've worked to find topics of broad community interest where we can gather together and do a deep dive. In February we heard from educators responding to Operation Metro Surge. In March we talked about renters' rights, and in April we'll be discussing public safety in Uptown. Full details to be announced soon, but please mark your calendars for Thursday, April 30—hope to see you there!

Coffee with Katie
Thursday, Apr. 30 • 5:30 – 6:30 PM
Grace-Trinity Community Church (1430 W 28th St)

From the Office of Attorney General Keith Ellison:

Join AGs working to uphold the rule of law and defend democracy—AG Ellison (Minnesota), AG Raoul (Illinois) and AG Rayfield (Oregon). Hear an update about their work and share your stories and questions.

Over the last year, Attorneys General across the country have been working together to protect democracy and uphold the rule of law. Attorney General Ellison has invited his colleagues to join him for a town hall forum to provide an update about the nearly 60 lawsuits the AGs have filed. This will also be a time where you can share your questions about this work and your stories and about how you've experienced federal overreach.

The following security measures will be in place:

• Free tickets for this event are required. You will receive a ticket when you register for the event here.

• The address for the forum will be provided 48 hours in advance to those who pre-register.

• Registration ends April 22 at 10 a.m.

• We ask participants to leave large bags at home or in their car, with exceptions for medical reasons.

Attorneys General Town Hall
Wednesday, Apr. 22 • 6–8 PM
Minneapolis Location TBA (emailed to registrants)

Compassionate Overdose Response Training
Wednesday, Apr. 15 • 6:30 PM
Boneshaker Books (708 W 26th St)

From League of Women Voters Minneapolis (LWVMpls):

Public concern about law enforcement training and practices has grown, especially after witnessing federal agents use excessive force, conduct dangerous vehicle pursuits, make aggressive stops and arrests, and engage in crowd control tactics that felt both alarming and unlawful. These moments have prompted an important question: What does ethical law enforcement look like, and how is the Minneapolis Police Department preparing both new and veteran officers to meet the standards of non‑discriminatory policing outlined in the Settlement Agreement?

Guest Speaker: Commander Kris Brown, Training Division, Minneapolis Police Department

April Civic Buzz: Training for Ethical Police Practices
Thursday, April 9 • 7–8:30 pm 
Plymouth Congregational Church (1900 Nicollet Ave - lots of parking)
Recording will be posted after the event

From Monarca:

Every family deserves safety, dignity, and the peace of going to work or school without fear. Yet right now, enforcement and intimidation tactics are being used to divide our communities. Raids and targeted actions are tearing families apart and weakening entire neighborhoods across Minnesota. We are coming together to protect one another, build people-powered safety, and make sure no one faces this moment alone.

Monarca Upstander Training
Monday, Apr. 9 • 6:30 – 8:30 PM
Midway, St. Paul (location will be emailed 1–2 days before the event)

From AARP:

Criminals don't care how hard you worked. They steal billions from Americans like you every year using an endless variety of complex scams. However, you can take charge, understand their criminal tactics, and protect your hard-earned savings.

Join AARP Minnesota, the Better Business Bureau of Minnesota & North Dakota, and many other local organizations at the Twin Cities Scam Jam to learn about the latest scams.

• Doors open and breakfast will be served at 8:30 a.m.

• Visit local organizations and learn about their fraud-fighting resources in our mini-expo, open from 8:30 a.m. until noon.

• Hear from a series of speakers discussing the most important steps you can take to protect your money from scammers between 9:00 a.m. and noon.

Speakers:

• Chief Eric Werner and Detective Kate Damm, Maple Grove Police Department

• Steve Farr, Better Business Bureau of Minnesota & North Dakota

• Jessica Whitney, Office of Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison

• Tara Ambrose, Minnesota Department of Commerce

• Jay Haapala, AARP Minnesota

Staying safe from fraud and identity theft can feel overwhelming, but you can take charge, protect yourself and your loved ones, and be a fraud fighter!

From Lake Street Council:

Receive materials and information from various safety and medical organizations regarding safety concerns, livability issues, and personal health inquiries. Participating organizations:

• LEAD

• T.O.U.C.H

• Minneapolis Safety Outreach organizations

• Medical response organizations

• Homeless response organizations

• Mental health and addiction services

Snacks and refreshments will be provided!

Lake St Safety Resource Event
Wednesday, Mar. 25 • 1 – 2 PM
T.O.U.C.H Outreach (2222 E Lake St)
Questions? Contact Jon Edwards: jon@lakestreetcouncil.org / 612-207-2907

From Twin Cities Coalition for Justice:

We Demand Accountability! From ICE to MPD, community control can help us hold state agents accountable for harming our communities. It is more clear than ever that the system is set up to benefit ICE/MPD at the expense of the people. Come for a discussion about the need for police accountability, the inadequacies of our current system and the promise of community control to bring about real change.

We Take Care of Us: Community Fundraiser
Sunday, Mar. 22 • 4:30 PM
Lucy Parson’s Center (4100 S 28th Ave)

From Monarca:

Every family deserves safety, dignity, and the peace of going to work or school without fear. Yet right now, enforcement and intimidation tactics are being used to divide our communities. Raids and targeted actions are tearing families apart and weakening entire neighborhoods across Minnesota. We are coming together to protect one another, build people-powered safety, and make sure no one faces this moment alone.

Monarca Upstander Training
Saturday, Mar. 14 • 1 – 3 PM
Summit-University, St. Paul (location will be emailed 1–2 days before the event)

From Monarca:

Every family deserves safety, dignity, and the peace of going to work or school without fear. Yet right now, enforcement and intimidation tactics are being used to divide our communities. Raids and targeted actions are tearing families apart and weakening entire neighborhoods across Minnesota. We are coming together to protect one another, build people-powered safety, and make sure no one faces this moment alone.

Monarca Upstander Training
Monday, Mar. 2 • 6:30 – 8:30 PM
Midway, St. Paul (location will be emailed 1–2 days before the event)

From the League of Womens Voters Minneapolis (LWVMpls):

We are honored to be joined by Minneapolis Chief of Police O’Hara to discuss the Separation Agreement as a policing strategy, its origins in crime reduction efforts, and how it has reshaped the relationship between the MPD and minority communities. Operation Metro Surge and ICE’s detention of lawful immigrants and U.S. citizens have now challenged its implementation and drawn criticism from residents who are questioning the MPD’s ability to ensure public safety and mitigate neighborhood disruptions and violence. This conversation with Chief O’Hara will provide an opportunity for participants to ask questions, share experiences, and engage directly with the Chief on these important issues.

Women Defending Democracy: Examining MPD’s Separation Ordinance & its Practice during Operation Metro Surge
Wednesday, Feb. 25 • 5 – 6 PM
Online

*After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with the unique Zoom link to join on Feb. 25. 
Any questions? office@lwvmpls.org or vote@lwvmpls.org 

From Minneapolis Families for Public Schools:

This is a training for any school parent, caregiver, teacher, or social worker that is interested in JOINING or leading their school’s Sanctuary School Team. We have done most of our work in Minneapolis, so much of the information in the training is from that organizing, but is applicable to other schools across the country!

This training covers three main things in two sections. The first section (6-7pm CST) covers:

1. Our demands and campaign to get ICE out of our schools everywhere and

2. Our best practices for patrols and rapid response

The second section contains (7-8pm CST) a deep dive into how to set up mutual aid like transportation, food, and rent relief for families at your school.

Sign up at the link in our linktree. Emails with confirmation and the Zoom link will go out on the morning and afternoon of the training.

Intro to Sanctuary Schools Training
Tuesdays, Feb. 10, Feb. 17, Feb. 24 •6 – 8 PM
Online

From Ward 7 City Council Member’s Office:

Join CM Elizabeth Shaffer and leaders from Ward 7 schools for an essential community conversation. Hear directly from school leaders about the impact of ICE on their communities, how neighbors stepped up to support them, and take a moment to celebrate what has been achieved and acknowledge the challenges that lie ahead.

Ward 7 Community Meeting
Sunday, Feb. 22 • 4–5 pm
Lake of the Isles Lutheran Church, Fellowship Hall (2020 W Lake of the Isles Pkwy)

From Monarca:

Every family deserves safety, dignity, and the peace of going to work or school without fear. Yet right now, enforcement and intimidation tactics are being used to divide our communities. Raids and targeted actions are tearing families apart and weakening entire neighborhoods across Minnesota. We are coming together to protect one another, build people-powered safety, and make sure no one faces this moment alone.

Monarca Upstander Training
Thursday, Feb. 19 • 6:30 – 8:30 PM
Como Park, St. Paul (location will be emailed 1–2 days before the event)

From Minneapolis Families for Public Schools:

This is a training for any school parent, caregiver, teacher, or social worker that is interested in JOINING or leading their school’s Sanctuary School Team. We have done most of our work in Minneapolis, so much of the information in the training is from that organizing, but is applicable to other schools across the country!

This training covers three main things in two sections. The first section (6-7pm CST) covers:

1. Our demands and campaign to get ICE out of our schools everywhere and

2. Our best practices for patrols and rapid response

The second section contains (7-8pm CST) a deep dive into how to set up mutual aid like transportation, food, and rent relief for families at your school.

Sign up at the link in our linktree. Emails with confirmation and the Zoom link will go out on the morning and afternoon of the training.

Intro to Sanctuary Schools Training
Tuesdays, Feb. 10, Feb. 17, Feb. 24 •6 – 8 PM
Online

From Monarca:

Every family deserves safety, dignity, and the peace of going to work or school without fear. Yet right now, enforcement and intimidation tactics are being used to divide our communities. Raids and targeted actions are tearing families apart and weakening entire neighborhoods across Minnesota. We are coming together to protect one another, build people-powered safety, and make sure no one faces this moment alone.

Monarca Upstander Training
Monday, Feb. 16 • 6:30 – 8:30 PM
Midway, St. Paul (location will be emailed 1–2 days before the event)

From MN Ice Watch:

Intro to Street Medic is a beginner workshop that teaches simple, hands-on skills to help people stay safe in everyday and community situations. You’ll learn how to stay calm, assess what’s happening, help someone who’s hurt, and support others in the moment. The focus is on practical, easy-to-use skills anyone can do. Together, we keep us safe ✨

Intro to Street Medic
Sunday, Feb. 15 • 12 – 3:00 PM
Volstead’s Emporium (711 W Lake St)

From Monarca:

Every family deserves safety, dignity, and the peace of going to work or school without fear. Yet right now, enforcement and intimidation tactics are being used to divide our communities. Raids and targeted actions are tearing families apart and weakening entire neighborhoods across Minnesota. We are coming together to protect one another, build people-powered safety, and make sure no one faces this moment alone.

Monarca Upstander Training
Thursday, Feb. 12 • 6 – 8 PM
St. Louis Park (location will be emailed 1–2 days before the event)

From Restaurant Opportunities Center of MN & Twin Cities United Performers:

This training will cover:

• Understanding your rights in your workplace

• Protecting private areas in your workplace

• How to document safely and responsibly

• How to organize with your managers and coworkers

• How to connect with rapid response networks

• How to get organized!

Workplace Know Our Rights Federal Action Preparedness Training
Wednesday, Feb. 11 • 11 AM – 12:30 PM
Twin Cities (Location TBA)

From Minneapolis Families for Public Schools:

This is a training for any school parent, caregiver, teacher, or social worker that is interested in JOINING or leading their school’s Sanctuary School Team. We have done most of our work in Minneapolis, so much of the information in the training is from that organizing, but is applicable to other schools across the country!

This training covers three main things in two sections. The first section (6-7pm CST) covers:

1. Our demands and campaign to get ICE out of our schools everywhere and

2. Our best practices for patrols and rapid response

The second section contains (7-8pm CST) a deep dive into how to set up mutual aid like transportation, food, and rent relief for families at your school.

Sign up at the link in our linktree. Emails with confirmation and the Zoom link will go out on the morning and afternoon of the training.

Intro to Sanctuary Schools Training
Tuesdays, Feb. 10, Feb. 17, Feb. 24 •6 – 8 PM
Online