Posts by Arlene Mathison
WMM Official Statement on Ilhan Omar

Ilhan Omar is a voice of peace and trusted friend of Women’s March Minnesota. We #StandWithIlhan and unequivocally oppose the divisive, racist, Islamophobic attacks against her. Her resilience in the face of the slander, attempted censorship, and violent threats against her speaks to her strength and dedication to creating an equitable world. All lawmakers should denounce this bigotry and violence.

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Driver’s licenses for all, regardless of immigration status! It’s time! Support HF1500!

When is the last time you used your driver’s license as an ID? For me, it was when I forgot my library card but wanted to check out the books that I had reserved. For you, perhaps it was when you checked in for a medical appointment, entered your child’s school or ordered a drink in a restaurant.

Approximately 82,000 residents of Minnesota are eligible for a driver’s license or state ID, but cannot get one because they are undocumented immigrants. Many have been living here for decades and were able to obtain a driver’s license until Governor Pawlenty changed the law in 2003. Imagine having your driving privileges and access to an ID stripped away. For undocumented immigrants, having access to a Driver’s License or State ID is both a matter of convenience and access and dignity to move around the state.

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Why I Marched: Josine D.

After the election in 2016, I went into a funk. I turned off Facebook, I turned off the television. I turned inward. For me, it was a time of healing and deep doubt. I questioned myself, my choices.

I had chosen to be here, in the U.S. I came here for school, met my husband, and stayed. Where I come from, I was taught to fight for justice, speak out and up. My parents taught me that I had to fight for everyone. If one person suffers, we all suffer. You need to do something. But I think when I came here, I lost that. Life got busier and easier.

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Please take the WMM Survey – Chance to Win $50

Women’s March Minnesota (WMM) is looking for your two cents and by sharing your thoughts you could win one of three $50 Visa gift cards. WMM is asking people across Minnesota to take the survey. It should take less than 10 minutes and each survey has a chance to win $50 gift card.

We are working with 100RuralWomen to help spread the word. 

The survey is designed to assess how WMM can better meet the needs of potential members across the state both in terms of support and programs, and also reflect the policy concerns of people outside of the Twin Cities. WMM appreciates your time and frank answers. Prizes will be drawn Dec 31, 2018.
  
Take the survey

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Hear UsArlene Mathison
“One of us is going to Washington” - what Habon Abdulle of WOW Network wants you to understand about Ilhan Omar’s election.

The first woman who Habon Abdulle of WOW Network recruited to run for office was Ilhan Omar.

"After the election, many of us felt that we can put our bags down. We are here to stay, and now we have a stake in the game. While we recognize this election is not presidential, the effect on marginalized people’s emotions are similar, as prejudice is confronted by elected representation. " - Habon Abdulle

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WMM Official Statement Condemning Anti-Semitism, Homophobia, and Transphobia

Earlier this year, Women's March National faced intense criticism because one of the leaders publicly exalted Louis Farrakhan. The national group responded by stating “Minister Farrakhan’s statements about Jewish, queer, and trans people are not aligned with the Women’s March Unity Principles.” They continued by stating “The world Women’s March seeks to build is one free from anti-Semitism, homophobia, transphobia, sexism, racism, and all forms of social violence.”

We in Minnesota also responded in a statement in March 2018 by saying “we unequivocally denounce Louis Farrakhan's recent anti-Semitic and homophobic statements. Anti-Semitism, misogyny, homophobia, transphobia, racism and white supremacy are and always will be indefensible.” We stand by that statement.

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November 7, 2018

Two years ago we woke up to an election that seemed unbelievable.  The popular vote was ignored, and our first woman Presidential candidate - who had been ridiculed, mocked and demeaned - was not the new President. We, like many of you, were alternately heartbroken,, shocked, nervous, and grieving. Racism, misogyny, xenophobia, transphobia, homophobia, and the like was sitting in the oval office and seemed to be on the rise. We vowed to not be silent and instead took to the streets. Over the last two years, women found or reclaimed their voice and their power! We stepped up, spoke up, took action, ran for office and supported candidates we believed in.  

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Hear UsArlene Mathison
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!  

THANK YOU for everything you have done to help GOTV and make these elections a success.

Every call you've made, every card you've written, every door you've knocked, every dollar you've donated, every conversation you've had, every post, every text, every tweet you've sent to encourage people to vote, to support candidates you know will do the right thing, to make sure every voice is heard. THANK YOU!

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Interfaith Vigil for Victims of Tree of Life Synagogue

On October 29th, close to two thousand people, from all faiths and non-believers, came together to honor and mourn the lives that were lost at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh at the hands of a hate-filled gunman. Those of us who were in the main sanctuary watched in wonder at the ever growing crowd-unaware of all of those in overflow rooms and out on the streets surrounding Mount Zion Temple who felt compelled to join this community of love.  For all of the fear and hate that events of the last week have wrought upon our country, in this sacred space we were reminded of what America looks like and what we stand for- togetherness, peace, hope and a determination to end the hate and violence.

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