Notes from ISAIAH Northfield Post-Election Strategy Session

Notes from Isaiah Northfield Post-Election Strategy Session 11/14/24 By Rev. Clay Oglesbee

Initially, Isaiah Organizer Kathryn Lozada shared personal responses to the elections and invited others to share in small groups. She reminded us that building a “beloved community” of justice and inclusion in Minnesota is a year-around, all-the-time commitment, no matter the current political map. 

What Isaiah and Supporters Accomplished in Minnesota in 2023-2024 Legislative Biennium: voters’ rights increased and expanded, affordable transportation in the metro, 100% clean energy by 2030, paid family and medical leave, driver’s licenses for all regardless of immigration status, $1 billion investment for affordable housing, red flag unlaw to limit gun violence, statewide commuter rail, raising childcare reimbursement rates, and other measures. 

Table Discussions allowed participants to share thoughts on how they came to the meeting, and how they leaned into their values during the election season. Some spoke of donations and organizing, or speaking with friends and family. Others spoke of regret that they did not do more. Voting was very strong, but some were concerned that Northfield and campuses are “an echo chamber”, even in Rice County. 

Minnesota State Representative (58A District) Purcell addressed the gathering regarding the elections. She said she is the last DFL representative in MN in a rural district. She described the evenly split House (67-67), and early efforts to keep it productive. Representative Purcell spoke of the active initiatives and legislative actions of the 2024. She sees this legislative session as focused on protecting the actions of the past two years. 

Trainings may be offered in areas like (1) “deep listening” with neighbors in wider community as a foundation of people-centered democracy, (2) research visit training to engage local decision-makers about housing, climate and transportation priorities, and finally—(3) immigrant solidarity training. 

Proposed Isaiah Path Through 2025—Plans so far: 

• Weekly Isaiah Southern MN Legislative Co-governance Zooms with partner legislators 

• Revenue Rally at MN Capitol on Wed., 1/29, for an Abundant Moral Budget 

• Building the Future Lobby Day at the MN Capitol in mid-February/early March on housing, economy and job 

• Northfield “in district” meeting with legislators in early April? 

• Earth Day Action and “day without cars” on 4/25 at the Capitol 

• May - stay nimble for the end of the legislative session 

• December 13, 2025: Isaiah-wide convention to prepare for 2026 

To learn more about and/or join the NUMC-Isaiah Team, contact Evelyn Burry, Team Leader (evelynburry@hotmail.com; 507-581- 4684).