TakeAction Minnesota

TakeAction Minnesota is a social welfare organization and political advocacy group operating in the U.S. state of Minnesota. According to its mission statement, the group's goal is to "unite the power of diverse individuals, communities and organizations in active grassroots democracy that builds racial, social and economic justice.[1] It has been described by Minnesotan media as "a powerful advocate for liberal causes"[2] and "a powerhouse in DFL politics."[3]

History and structure

TakeAction Minnesota was founded in 2006, as a merger of Progressive Minnesota and the Minnesota Alliance for Progressive Action.[2] The group is incorporated as 501(c)4 (or "social welfare") organization — an organization legally considered to serve the purpose of promoting the general welfare of people in its community, but which is allowed to engage in political activity as well. The group is a coalition of 20 different organizations, including labor unions and advocacy groups for such causes as environmental protection, education, and the prevention of sexual violence.[4] In addition, TakeAction Minnesota claims 6,000 individual dues-paying members and a mailing list of 50,000 people.[3] TakeAction Minnesota is an affiliate of the national organizations People's Action[5][6] and CPD Action.[5]

A separately incorporated organization, the TakeAction Minnesota Education Fund, 501(c)(3) organization (not engaging in politics); the two groups have different boards of directors and file their taxes separately.[1]

Political campaigns

TakeAction Minnesota campaigns at the state level for such issues as expanded access to healthcare, the establishment of paid family and medical leave, transitioning Minnesota's energy infrastructure to renewable energy, and the prevention of gun violence.[7] In 2012, it was part of a successful campaign against Minnesota Amendment 2 (a proposed amendment to the Minnesota constitution which would have required voters to show photo ID),[2] and in 2013 successfully lobbied (alongside the NAACP) for a ban the box initiative (i.e. a law prohibiting employers from asking about criminal convictions on job applications).[8]

In addition, the organization makes endorsements of political campaigns, mostly at the state and local level. In 2013, it backed the successful mayoral candidacy of Betsy Hodges,[2] and in 2018 endorsed the (ultimately unsuccessful) gubernatorial bid of Erin Murphy.[3] TakeAction Minnesota is also active among the large Hmong diaspora in Minnesota; Hmong Americans for Justice is one of the group's member organizations, and two Hmong-American TakeAction members (Dai Thao and Nelsie Yang) have been elected to the Saint Paul City Council. These candidates were the fist Hmong person and the first Hmong woman to serve on the Council, respectively.[2][9]

In 2020, the organization endorsed the presidential campaign of Bernie Sanders,[5] its first ever endorsement of a candidate for president.[3]

References
  1. Zdechlik, Mark (November 25, 2013). "TakeAction Minnesota draws attention for political victories". mprnews.org. MPR News. Retrieved January 17, 2020.
  2. Condon, Patrick (January 15, 2020). "TakeAction Minnesota backs Sen. Bernie Sanders". startribune.com. Star Tribune. Retrieved January 16, 2020.
  3. "Member Organizations". TakeAction Minnesota. Retrieved 16 January 2020.
  4. "TakeAction Minnesota Endorses Bernie Sanders for President and the Movement for a People-Centered Democracy". TakeAction Minnesota. Retrieved 16 January 2020.
  5. "Member Organizations". People's Action. Retrieved 16 January 2020.
  6. "Statewide Campaigns". TakeAction Minnesota. Retrieved 16 January 2020.
  7. Jacobs, James B. (2015). The Eternal Criminal Record. Harvard University Press. p. 297. ISBN 978-0-674-36826-2.
  8. Frederick, Melo (January 8, 2020). "Nelsie Yang sworn in as first Hmong woman and youngest-ever member on Saint Paul City Council". twincities.com. Twin Cities. Retrieved January 17, 2020.
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