Our February Changemakers Alliance (CALL) conversations were with dozens of advocates and members who represent priorities in housing, mental health, and restorative ecosystems of people and land.
“People need jobs, equality, education. We still need to organize to learn how the economics and politics drive everything
in life. Can’t stop now.”
—Nellie Stone Johnson, at the age of 90 in 1995
Equity and environmental justice have been a focal point for Janiece Watts for more than a decade. She is now at Fresh Energy, a nonprofit focused on transitioning Minnesota to a clean energy economy.
Minnesota’s policymakers had an opportunity during this legislative session to take action to gain a portion of that $6.6 billion of annual GDP, and they failed. Instead, efforts to close racial equity gaps fell victim to polarized and antiquated views of economic growth and competitiveness.
“Many of them grew up adopting the negative narrative that there are no opportunities or equity in small towns. That is not true. This work is flipping that narrative.”
