Part 1 — Changing the Future: Edit Letter and TOC

We know that we could be giving a better world to the next generation. In these pages every month we learn about women who are creating spaces for greater listening, stronger support, and more collaborative action to help all members of our communities. That is how we enhance public safety and thrive economically.

In short, it is obvious to the Minnesota Women’s Press community that we all do better when we all do better. The math works. Examples of that leadership and perspective in this issue:

Brittany Miller (Marshall): As a former high-risk youth, she works with colleagues knowing how improvements can be made for brighter futures.
Marian Barcus (Grand Rapids): After a career in social work, she explains how the economic system divides us by income and why it needs a reset.
Minnesota Justice Research Center: This team is shedding light on inequities in pre-trial bail and evaluating Saint Paul’s efforts to prevent gun violence.

Step-by-Step Solutions

Some of the stories this month are part of a three-step process. Rather than drop into a theme and then move on, we are revisiting a particular angle this year: How are Minnesotans creating stronger villages based on values that respect all human beings — despite obstacles and evolving vision about what the right moves are? How are people and resources coming together to establish values and make change so that the next generation can glimpse the potential of Americans to dream bigger (not smaller)?

For example, we introduce this month the story from Mary Jo Klinker about advocates in Winona who are rallying for stronger community support around addressing domestic violence. In May, we’ll report on a conversation we will co-host there with therapists, city council members, survivors, advocates, and housing experts. Survivors of abuse currently have to travel an hour away, often with few transportation options and funds, to seek limited domestic violence shelter beds in Rochester and Wisconsin. We will explore alongside as they talk about how to invest in effective solutions.

In September, we’ll report on the final phase: Did they agree on action steps?

Thanks to a new Press Forward Minnesota grant, we are finally able to do this type of process-in-action series, with paid local coordinators and the support of our new part-time community engagement director, Lisa Huftel. We also are able to work with partners to spark conversations around the state about immigrant protections and contributions, as well as solutions to the child care crisis.

Thanks to the trust we have with Changemakers Alliance partners, there is so more we can do — not just in telling these stories, but by sharing them widely, and illuminating decision-making processes that lead to solutions.

For that, we continue to need your support. Contribute at womenspress.com/donate and receive an invitation to our 40th anniversary celebration!

“Remember that the world is much bigger than this moment, bigger than us and our experience of it, and much bigger than we imagine when we are afraid.”

— Mariame Kaba, Let This Radicalize You

Youth — How We Reduce Harm in Marshall

Housing — Why We Need to Improve Safety Through Housing in Winona

Justice — A Conversation About Transforming the State’s Justice System

Perspective — Re-Evaluate Capitalism

Thought — The Four Winds

Camp — Weaving Together an Art Practice

Elder — Two Reasons We Need to Pay Attention to Elder Care Statewide