Communities across Minnesota are invited to participate in What We Can Do Week(s), a new initiative running from July 31 to August 16 that encourages peaceful political engagement and a shared rejection of political violence.

The What We Can Do Week(s) initiative was born out of heartbreak -- and a call to action. On June 14, Minnesota was shaken by the politically motivated assassination of former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman, her husband Mark, and their golden retriever Gilbert, and the attack on Minnesota Sen. John Hoffman and his family. These tragedies stunned the state and the nation, underscoring the urgent need to reject political violence and restore a culture of dialogue.

 

What We Can Do Week(s) is Minnesota’s answer: a movement to honor those lost and wounded by choosing community over conflict, dialogue over division, and courage over cowardice.

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What We Can Do Week(s) was inspired by two post-tragedy quotes:

• From Sophie and Colin Hortman, the Hortmans’ children: "The best way to honor our parents' memory is to do something, whether big or small, to make our community just a little better for someone else."

• From U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar on the TPT public affairs program Almanac: “Courage is not just standing by yourself. Courage is whether you're willing to stand next to someone you don't always agree with, for the betterment of this country. That's what we need to see more of."

The initiative will kick off with the signing of a Civic Pledge for a Stronger Minnesota on July 31 by Minnesota political and community leaders.

 

From Aug. 1-15, across the state, What We Can Do Week(s) partners will be hosting live and virtual programming for Minnesotans to come together for events, conversations, and shared actions that build bridges, such as:

• Hosting civil discussions across political perspectives.

• Opportunities for groups -- from workplace teams to congregations to neighbors -- to become better acquainted and create stronger connections.

• Celebrating ongoing work being done to cross divides.

• Amplifying peaceful solutions and rejecting hatred.

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On Saturday, August 16 a large public event (details forthcoming) will bookend the initiative and give Minnesotans resources to stay involved and continue the work moving forward.

What We Can Do Week(s) initial partners include Majority in the Middle, Civic Bridgers, Minnesota Women's Press, Initiative Foundation, Citizens League, Ambit Media Company and the St Paul Area Chamber. Organizations representing the business, labor, nonprofit, philanthropic, faith, neighborhood, academic, government and media communities are welcome to participate. The current list of partners is on the website.

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Partners can sign up and Minnesotans can explore event ideas and ways to get involved at www.WhatWeCanDoWeek.org.