This month in organizing: March power building updates

TCUP brings our campaign for transparent communication and dignified treatment to venues  

Right now, TCUP is driving a historic level of performer organizing in the Twin Cities! In just three months, our members organized 500+ performers to sign TCUP’s Power Pledge and commit to using uniform advance language when communicating with venues before a show. “Advancing” a show means performers get details any worker needs – like when to show up and how much we’ll get paid. On March 18, TCUP members will deliver our Power Pledge to several Minneapolis venues. The Pledge includes TCUP’s uniform advance language and the signatures and photos of the 500+ performers who signed the Pledge. Follow along on Instagram (@tcupmn). Want to join TCUP? Fill out our new member interest form.  

Left: TCUP members Babo and Drey paint signs ahead of venue visits

Parents organize for small class sizes and reasonable special education caseloads  

Our Minneapolis Public Schools Parent Organizing Project crew has a big spring planned. We’ll be campaigning in two ways – alongside Minneapolis Federation of Teachers in their contract negotiations and via advocacy in the MPS budget process – to make sure our students and educators have small class sizes and reasonable special ed caseloads for the 2025-26 school year. Check out parent team members in the news who are fighting back against proposed cuts to special education. Join us by coming to our team meeting on Sunday, April 13 from 12:30-2:30pm. 

Left: Parents protest proposed cuts to special education at a recent MPS school board meeting

Yes, kitchen faucets should work, even for renters  

Fixing a leak before it becomes a big mold problem: common sense. Landlords responding to our repair requests: common sense. Safe, dignified homes for renters – who pay for the right torepair in our rent – yeah, all of us should have that. Join the next Duluth Tenants meeting on Tuesday, April 1 from 7-8:30pm to organize with us to make it easier for Duluth renters to get the repairs we need.

“It’s the hottest political arena of the summer.”  

That’s how Walter describes the Minneapolis City Convention, coming up this July. But to get there – and show up powerfully to shape the mayoral race – the action starts now with Precinct Caucuses. Join our Precinct Caucus training on Saturday, April 5 from 10am-12pm to learn how to organize with your neighbors and push for a new mayor. 

Speaking of a new mayor…exciting news! Our member-endorsed candidate for Minneapolis Mayor is Senator Omar Fateh! He won our endorsement because he shares our vision for a city where all workers – including performers – can make a living and expect dignified treatment, parents and schools are thriving, and all of us have a safe, stable home.  

1. What team are you part of, and what are you organizing to win? I am part of MN United Parents. We are organizing to win universal, quality childcare for all children, birth to 5 years old. All parents need the peace of mind that comes with access to affordable, safe, and quality care for our children – and our children deserve a safe, enriching learning environment. Universal childcare would help the childcare crisis and reduce the stress that comes with that. 
2. What’s one thing you’ve learned about yourself since you started organizing? I learned that I have hidden leadership skills beneath the surface and that I’ve overlooked all the growing qualities I didn’t think I had. Now that I’m stepping out of my comfort zone, I’m exercising those qualities, and it’s been a transformative experience.
3. How can folks build power and act with your team right now? Lawmakers from both parties are attacking our right to paid sick and safe days – a huge issue for parents. Join us for a virtual training on Thursday, April 3 from 6:30-8pm on how to fight back. You can also join our regular meeting on Sunday, April 13 from 3-4:30pm on Zoom or in person at North Regional Library, Minneapolis. Snacks and childcare provided for those in person.