About Valley Allies
A better world starts right here.
Valley Allies is a Golden Valley, MN group of grassroots activists working for change. We work independently as well as in partnership with other grassroots groups and the DFL for coordinated engagement and action.
Since we began in 2016 we have been involved in numerous initiatives for change locally here in Golden Valley, as well as at the state level.
This website serves as an information hub for local and state activism. Please drop us a line to find out more!
We must learn that passively to accept an unjust system is to cooperate with that system, and thereby to become a participant in its evil – Dr. Martin Luther King
MISSION
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Encourage active, joyful and meaningful participation in the democracy we all share
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Empower individuals that are hopeless or cynical about politics by providing a welcoming invitation and easy access point for local and state involvement
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Break isolation and build community, mutual support and power around political issues that affect our lives
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Attend to hyper-local/city issues like affordable housing, inclusive and welcoming communities and the environment
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Build cross-connection with other activist groups
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Support and amplify anti-racism efforts led by people of color in local/state politics
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Support and amplify the efforts of our elected legislators in their progressive work during the session
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Engage in legislative action and advocacy that we're passionate about during the legislative session
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Engagement and endorsements in local GV elections (council, school board)
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Engage in campaigns, elections and mutual accountability with electeds at all levels of government: City, County, State and U.S.
SINCE 2016
Valley Allies first came together in 2016 to resist the administration's agenda in coordination with other resistance groups. We did this in a number of ways including...
Coordinated with the ACLU's People Power initiative to successfully advocate for change Golden Valley policing policy. Amendments in the policy now help protect undocumented neighbors from unjust arrests and unconstitutional persecution by ICE. More info here. Also advocated for the adoption of a formal welcome statement which the city rolled out in 2018.
Produced a guide to local city council and school board elections and worked on GOTV for Golden Valley, successfully supporting a progressive candidate for a council seat, as well as a progressive incumbent
Endorsed progressive candidate Gillian Rosenquist for the 2017 city council election
Followed Indivisible Guide to resist the administration's agenda at all levels of government through protests, town hall meetings, contacting legislators and other targeted action
Post-card writing for Doug Jones and other national candidates in special elections
Completed feedback tool kit for Golden Valley's Comprehensive Planning 2040, with our priorities on affordable housing, sustainable development and diversity initiatives
Education about personal economic activism as well as backyard activism
Hosted numerous get-to-know-you meetings with our local electeds
Basic democracy education - what's a SD? why is census important? how does this whole thing work?
Member education opportunities/trainings etc. on the DFL caucus and convention system, several members attended caucus and went on to the convention
Attended meetings with other action groups to learn about issues and efforts impacting immigrant rights, civil rights, reproductive rights and more
Volunteered for MN special elections for State Rep (Melissa Wagner) and State Senate (Karla Bigham), doorknocking, phone banking and more fun!
Partner with local BIPOC-led initiatives such as Sweet Potato Comfort Pie
2018 we worked in many State Rep campaigns as well as some key Hennepin County campaigns including work for Irene Fernando, Angela Conley, Dave Hutchinson and Mark Haase. Voter registration drives.
SD-11 special election campaign work
Members worked with Common Cause, Freedom to Drive, NAACP and ERA during legislative session 2019
Endorsed and actively campaigned for the successful election of progressive council members Maurice Harris and Kimberly Sanberg to Golden Valley City Council in 2019
2020: Worked on MN House and Senate campaigns, presidential campaign, and GA run-off elections
2021 campaigns: Supported Gillian Rosenquist and Denise La Mere-Anderson for GV City Council. Worked on campaigns for neighboring communities, such as Hollies Winston, Kimberly Wilburn and others.
Lots and lots and lots of snacktivism! Not familiar with snacktivism? Come to a meeting to find out more :)
