Hello friends!
You will notice a change in our name. We are now Democracy Defenders, and we are registered with the national Indivisible organization, as we were with Northern Progressives.
Last year, around this time, it was suggested that we make this change for one major reason: the word 'Progressive'. Several people at some of our events have said as much...that they would attend our meetings and be more likely to participate if we dropped that handle. So, now is a good time to make that change.
Democracy Defenders also has a new Mission Statement that reflects our commitment to being more inclusive of our community members. You can read that below.
As Democracy Defenders, we will continue to build on the rich and storied history and legacy of Northern Progressives. We are always striving to do better, and we invite comments and questions about this change. In the meantime, look for Democracy Defenders in your inbox!
In solidarity...the planning committee.
Storytime will appear in next week's issue.
Our Mission
Democracy Defenders is a community of peaceful, concerned residents of the United States who respect the Rule of Law and the Constitution and who love this country. Our goals are to educate the public and our governmental representatives regarding our shared values and to take action when those matters we love and respect are breached, trampled, and/or threatened with destruction. These are such times.
We invite all who are interested in upholding, rebuilding, and positively revising our government — one that is open and free for all — to join us.
We are a chapter of Indivisible in northern Minnesota's 8th Congressional District.
Next Democracy Defenders Meeting
Aaron Kania, Candidate for MN House District 3A
- When:
- Wednesday, February 18, 6:30–8:00pm
- Where:
- Cook Community Center
510 Gopher Dr.
Cook, MN
Breakfast in the Afternoon
- When:
- Friday, February 27, 2:00pm
- Where:
- TBD
Here's your opportunity to set the agenda for our future actions and programming!
All are welcome to attend.
Signing & Resisting Events
Each Friday at noon at the following locations:
- Cook: Hwy 53 and River Street
- Tower: Mainstreet by the locomotive
- Ely: Sheridan St. & Central Ave
Signs should include issues common to everyone like good jobs, enough money for food and healthcare, and a good education.
Other events
Rural Urban Divide Workshop
Presented by Community Works
- When:
- February 16, 23, 6:00–7:15pm CT
- Where:
- Online
Join Community Works for a special free presentation of RUBI’s acclaimed Rural Urban Divide Workshop. Learn about the five underlying causes of the divide, how to communicate in rural places and across the divide, how economic policy widens or narrows the divide, and effective on-the-ground strategies for overcoming mistrust and community engagement on a local level.
Rise & Repair
- When:
- Tuesday, February 17, 10:00am–12:00pm
- Where:
- MN Capital Rotunda
Minnesota’s 2026 Legislative Session Starts Tuesday, February 17th at Noon!
DFL Fundraiser
with Chair Richard Carlbom
- When:
- February 21, 12:00–2:00pm
- Where:
- Duluth (location provided upon registration)
Join us for a fundraiser on Saturday, February 21, from 12:00–2:00 PM, as Democrats, organizers, and supporters come together to strengthen our party across the region.
The Minnesota DFL is excited to host this fundraiser, bringing together elected leaders, grassroots organizers, and community members to build Democratic momentum and advance shared values through strong organizing across Northern Minnesota.
This event serves as a key fundraiser to support Democratic candidates and invest in organizing, outreach, and voter engagement in Northern Minnesota during the 2026 election cycle. We hope you'll join us for an afternoon of connection, conversation, and commitment to building a stronger Minnesota together.
Trainings — Community Defense and ICE Watch
by States at the Core (STAC)
- When:
- February 25, 6:00pm
- Where:
- Zoom
"Join this 90-minute training from States at the Core and Protect RP on effectively protecting your neighborhoods from federal enforcement incursions. ICE Watch and other rapid response tactics are key strategies being used by people across the country to protect their communities against aggressive activity from federal law enforcement agencies like ICE and Border Patrol. Whether or not you are part of an established community response network, this training will share important skills for building neighborhood resilience, documenting ICE activity, and supporting neighbors. In addition to covering the basics of ICE Watch, we will discuss new analysis on ICE operations, rapid response tactics, and safety guidance."
What Rural Communities Need to Know about Data Centers
Presented by Rural Assembly in partnership with Radically Rural
- When:
- March 4, 1:00pm CT
- Where:
- Online
Data centers are rapidly expanding into rural communities across the country, bringing promises of economic development alongside concerns about water use, energy costs, and local control. But the facts around these developments are far from settled, and communities often find themselves reacting to proposals rather than preparing in advance. The landscape is changing quickly, with new developments, legislation, and research emerging regularly.
Free Community Meal
Strength through Community
- When:
- First & Third Sundays, 12:00–3:00pm
- Where:
- 510 Chestnut Street
Virginia, MN
- Free hot meal
- Food distribution
- Clothing distribution
- Free store table
Note that food, hygiene, clothing donations are needed!
No Kings 3.0!
Hold the Date
- When:
- Saturday, March 28, 2026
Our Breakfast In The Afternoon meetings will primarily be set aside for planning this event.
We need people to step up to make this a successful, fun, peaceful uprising.
Calls to Action
**Urgent** Defend the Clean Water Act
Your public comments are needed by February 17, 2026
The Trump Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed a new rule gutting the Clean Water Act “certification” regulations that allow States and Tribes to condition or deny certification for Federally-permitted activities that would violate State or Tribal water quality requirements.
Oppose the SAVE Act
Call our Senators
The House has passed the SAVE America Act by a vote of 218-213; Rep. Cuellar (D-TX) was the lone vote that crossed party lines. The bill now moves to the Senate.
Support Iron Range Families in Need
Donate!
In this very difficult time, we have community members that are unable to work and so they are unable to pay their bills and are choosing between groceries and heat.
Northland Legal Mutual Aid Fund
Urgent assistance for Jose
Northland Legal Mutual Aid Fund is a collective of friends & community, union organizers, and electeds from northern MN/WI working directly with individuals and families in need of legal and financial support, including people unjustly detained in the Douglas County Jail under an intergovernmental I.C.E. contract.
There is an urgent need for funds as a result of the ongoing administration's attack on our immigrant community and neighbors. Right now, community members are confronting unexpected legal and immigration costs, lost income, and urgent basic needs — and they need support now.
The Northland Legal Mutual Aid funds raised will go towards:
- Immigration attorney and legal fees
- Bail bond and filing costs
- Travel and communication expenses
- Basic family and financial needs while their loved ones are detained
Jose's Story
For our first round of support, we are seeking urgent assistance for Jose -- our friend and beloved community member of Virginia, MN who was taken from us by ICE. He is a kind human and incredibly good at his job where he made a last impression. And Jose's absence is notable and palpable here in our community now. We are currently raising $15,000 for an immigration attorney, court fees, bail bond, and more.
Boycott!
Take a stand
Some of the US’s biggest companies are coming under increasing pressure to speak out about the Trump administration’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)’s operations in Minnesota.
Postcards to Swing States
Progressive Turnout Project
Progressive Turnout Project boosts Democratic voter turnout with data-driven organizing, trained Campaign Fellows, and handwritten postcards to key voters—driving measurable results in critical races.
Read Learn Share Join Create
Thank you to all those who came to the Constitutional Observer
training in Soudan. You can find all of the resources we
discussed (& many more) on the Northern Civil Defense Website.
Small rapid response & mutual aid groups are getting started across our region.
Find one near you or start your own. Sign up for the Northern
Civil Defense Network newsletter & get connected to other
groups / become a part of the larger network.
