It’s an understatement to say our hearts and minds have been through a lot lately. This piece by St. Paul City Council Member Mitra Jalali, “WTF just happened to us?” resonates deeply.
Mitra reminds us: under racist, extractive capitalism, the only path to liberation is community care. Self-care isn’t enough. We need democratic control over our collective resources to ensure no person is left behind – in good times and in crisis. We need systems that ensure every person can live in dignity and joy.
As we fight for that future, we’ve got to stay fit for the fight. It’s important to remember and practice community care. There are people and organizations living into that vision right now. If you’re seeking healing or support, below are some resources that might help. If you can think of something to add to the list, email info@takeactionminnesota.org.
Our movement is stronger when we care for each other – and ourselves.
Mutual aid
Mutual aid is a prime example of community care. Grassroots organizing efforts and funds can fill in the gaps of slow or incomplete government assistance.
- Twin Cities metro area mutual aid map – Find places to give or receive donations.
- Minnesota Mutual Aid — Statewide Facebook group focused on building community.
- Bulk Buying Club (Google Doc) — Support farm workers and build relationships with our food systems.
- Twin Cities Democratic Socialists of America — Solidarity Fund. Donate to support neighbors or request support.
- Twin Ports Queer/Trans Community Care — Support request form for folks in the Duluth/Superior area.
- MN Disabled/Elder/Caregiver Mutual Aid — Support request form for caregivers, elders, and disabled folks.
- Queer Exchange — Facebook group for queer folks in the Twin Cities.
- Restaurant Opportunity Center — Financial support available for restaurant workers (temporarily on hold) or support them financially.
- NAVIGATE/Unidos — Donate to support for immigrants and new Americans.
- Twin Cities Coronavirus Group — Twin Cities Facebook group.
Healthcare
- Bridge to benefits — Low-cost health services directory
- Our Justice — Abortion support and reproductive health care
- MNSure — Apply for health insurance on Minnesota’s health care exchange.
- Department of Health — Resource guide for low-cost health care.
- Twin Ports Queer/Trans Community Care (Google Doc) — Resources available in the Duluth-Superior area. Focused on the queer community.
Healing and mental health
- Minnesota Healing Justice Network — Mutual aid network for wellness and healing justice practitioners who also identify as IBPOC (Indigenous, Black, or People of Color).
- Mental Health Minnesota — Browse statewide mental health resources
- Psychology Today — “Find a therapist” search engine
- Black Girl in Om — Healing and spirituality resources for Black women
- Open Counseling — Free or low-cost counseling
- Walk-in Clinic — Free mental health counseling
Meaning-making, art, and expression
We can find care, solidarity, and meaning-making by looking to leaders who inspire us – and by being creative ourselves. Here are some people we’ve been looking to for inspiration:
- Mariame Kaba — activist and organizer focused on transformative justice
- adrienne maree brown — author, podcaster, activist, and doula
Here are some organizations that foster creativity:
- Black Table Arts — Cooperative for Black artists in Minnesota
- #ShareTheMicMN — Amplifying the voices of Black and Brown women in Minnesota
- TruArtSpeaks — Poetry and hip hop for youth and adults
