We’re nearing the end of the legislative session and have an opportunity to keep the ERA top of mind as legislators head into election season. Let’s talk with them about how we are building our coalition and growing statewide support, and that voters expect elected officials to stand for equality.
We are organizing mini-lobby days during the last week of Session. From May 11-15, we can talk to legislators about the ERA, take photos, write thank-you notes, and talk with legislators about the ERA. There will be lobby coaches to help supporters navigate pulling legislators out of Session, thank-you cards, and other materials..
Here is the sign-up for the mini-lobby days. We will want people to sign up so that we can confirm meeting times.
The Minnesota Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) would guarantee equal rights under Minnesota law for everyone, leaving no one out. That’s why a diverse coalition — including unions, faith leaders, disability justice advocates, racial equity leaders, LGBTQ+ organizers, immigrant rights groups, and reproductive freedom leaders — are fighting for the Minnesota ERA. And it’s why we need your help to build momentum for the ERA at the Minnesota Capitol. The ERA:
- Protects Reproductive Freedom: Ensures that decisions about pregnancy and healthcare are protected from government interference.
- Secures LGBTQ+ Rights: Strengthens protections for transgender and nonbinary people, as well as LGBQ+ individuals, against discrimination. Additionally, marriage equality will be protected in our constitution.
- Advances Disability Justice: Guarantees that Minnesotans with disabilities receive equal protection under the law.
- Combats Racial Discrimination: Offers stronger legal recourse against state-sanctioned racial injustice and inequality. It’s our chance to draw a line in the sand and ensure that our state’s resources and laws are never used against our own people.
Join us during the final week of Minnesota’s legislative session to bring our message directly to legislators. We’re going to be at the Capitol all week, having short conversations with legislators who have been open to or are champions of the MN ERA. As they’re preparing for the electoral season, we’ll thank them for their support this session and remind them that equality for all of our neighbors is a winning message they should use on the campaign trail.
Experienced lobby coaches will be there to orient you, share talking points, and help you pull legislators from floor sessions for conversations. We will also have a photo frame to use to take photos of legislators and ERA supporters for you to use. Homemade signs would also be really great for these actions.
For each event during the week of May 11-15th, we will meet up in the Rathskeller (Capitol) Cafe at the start time listed below for a brief orientation.
Can we count on you to join? We will be there each day from Monday, May 11th, through Friday, May 15th.
If you can’t make it to the Capitol with us, show your support on social media: Post why you support the Minnesota ERA (and the difference it would make for you and your community) using the hashtag #MN4ER (Minnesotans for Equal Rights!) during the week of action, Monday, May 11, through Friday, May 15.
Together, we’re building momentum to get the Minnesota ERA passed by the legislature so it can go on the ballot and voters can make their voice heard for equality. This is our opportunity to ensure our state constitution aligns with our core values — and that our state’s resources and laws are never used against our own people.