MNxMN conference boosts Native Minnesotans' civic voices

Sex trafficking of Native women, police brutality, stopping the Line 3 pipeline, and building powerful coalitions to win any issue are among the topics at a February 24 conference dedicated to empowering civic engagement in Minnesota.

Scholarships, discounted registration for students, and early bird registration are available for the MNxMN 2019: Beyond the Vote conference happening at Harding Senior High, 1540 Sixth St. East, St. Paul, 8 a.m.- 4 p.m. MNxMN (pronounced "Minn by Minn") is a community of activists and advocates across the state working to build a more equitable Minnesota. “The Beyond the Vote conference will help Minnesotans make sure our voices are heard,” said MNxMN chair Ambre Quinn.

The day-long program includes lunch and child supervision and features workshops and activities to deepen attendees’ knowledge about issues, develop advocacy skills and build relationships between new and experienced activists and advocacy organizations in Minnesota. Speakers include MN350 Climate Justice organizer Mysti Babineau, an enrolled member of the Red Lake Nation, and Cloquet City Councilor Sheila Lamb, a White Earth Ojibwe and Cherokee, who works with trafficked and at-risk youth. Other workshop and forum issues include disability rights, children’s dental health, reversing opioid overdoses, and how the Legislature and courts work.

Minneapolis artist Ricardo Levins Morales keynotes this second annual MNxMN gathering. Last year’s Beyond Resistance conference included nearly 400 attendees and 75 exhibitors geared toward social justice activism. Registration and information at https://www.mnxmn.org.