Women's March Minnesota COVID-19 Statement
In a time of uncertainty and fear, Women’s March Minnesota hopes to offer support and advocate for assistance in the coming weeks. As COVID-19 continues to spread, it is our duty to help protect one another throughout Minnesota. As a board and organization, we will continue to advocate for those who are further marginalized by the impacts of the virus and the actions to mitigate its spread.
WMM asks officials for transparent, accurate, and up-to-date information shared publicly through multiple channels. We strongly advocate for immediate cash assistance in the form of Universal Basic Income from our federal government, in addition to state, county, and local relief. Any emergency support must not have strings attached or hoops to jump through to best reach those who need it most. In addition, assistance to individuals and families in need must not accrue debt.
You can participate by supporting local small businesses by purchasing gift certificates and gift cards that can be used once the call for social distancing has ended. Donations to local shelters and food shelves are also needed. In addition, many neighbors are posting how they can be helpful and/or can be helped on their doors (if they are lucky enough to have them). It is a testament to the wonderful nature of humanity that many continue to answer calls for support in our community.
Social distancing is recommended whenever you are able. Individuals are often contagious from an exposure before developing symptoms and because of this, it’s not enough to only continue with the directive of “stay home if you are sick.”
Based on the guidance from the CDC to modify events to be virtual, WMM will not host or endorse events held in person. As far as hosting and sponsoring virtual events, decisions will be made on an individual basis as requests come in. WMM encourages our members to remain active by contacting national, state, and local officials about issues impacting our community. We recommend those who are able to meet and organize do so using technology. We want to reiterate the importance that measures such as social distancing are not a punishment to those that feel healthy - they are precautions to keep our community members alive and well.
Below are helpful resources. Please share widely as our communities need. Take care of one another. We’re in this together.
MDH COVID-19 Hotline: 651-201-3920 (open M-F, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.)
Minnesota Department of Health COVID-19 Website
Minnesota Department of Education COVID-19 Website
COVID-19 Unemployment Benefits:
“The Unemployment Insurance program is ready to assist workers who can’t work, workers who have had their hours reduced, and workers who have lost their jobs as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. If your employment has been affected by COVID-19, you can apply for unemployment benefits. After you apply, we will let you know if you are eligible.”