In this episode we take a deep dive into what some folks call the “Minnesota Model,” the organizing power behind the policies that made Tim Walz’s reputation as a progressive governor. While Walz tacked to the right in his debate with JD Vance earlier this week, there’s no denying his progressive record as governor of Minnesota. He signed legislation expanding free school meals, requiring a transition to clean energy for all Minnesota power plants by 2040, and codifying the right to abortion in the state.

These wins came from decades of relentless progressive organizing in Minnesota through coalitions of faith, labor, and community groups willing to engage with the messy work of shared governance. Joining Cayden to discuss the model’s strengths and complexity is Doran Schrantz, former executive director of the organizing groups Faith in Minnesota and ISAIAH.

Other Resources

Down Home North Carolina has links to a resource to support equitable relief and recovery in western North Carolina and eastern Tennessee.

Highlander Center is posting relief and recovery links to their Instagram from eastern Tennessee.

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