Amplifying local voices and actions for justice.
This week (Dec 15th - Dec 21st) is about holding steady and refocusing during a quieter stretch shaped by the holidays. With fewer events on the calendar, this is a moment to pause without disengaging and to stay grounded in what matters. Showing up does not always look like meetings or actions. Sometimes it looks like care, attention, and intention.
As the holidays approach, it is important to name that this season can feel very different depending on where you are. Some people are gathering with family. Others are missing theirs. Some do not celebrate at all. All of those experiences are valid, and this is a good time to lead with kindness, patience, and understanding toward ourselves and one another.
Even in a slower week, we are not alone. Staying connected, being thoughtful in our choices, and looking out for one another are ways we continue the work. This is also a moment to be mindful about where we put our resources. When possible, consider shopping locally and supporting small businesses, mutual aid efforts, and local organizations rather than large corporations. These choices help keep our values rooted close to home.
The opportunities and resources below offer different ways to stay engaged at your own pace, whether that means learning, supporting others, or simply staying connected through the season.
We will be taking a brief pause and skipping next week’s Resistance Roundup. We will be back after Christmas. Until then, take care and be gentle with yourselves and those around you.
Featured Actions
-
Bystander Intervention Training
We encourage you to educate yourself on what safe actions you can take to help ensure the safety of our immigrant community. We need each other right now more than ever.
-
Shop with intention
As the shopping season hits a frenzy this week, it is good to remember to continue to spend mindfully and locally whenever possible. Consider shopping from the Good Trouble reading list curated by Griot Arts for meaningful reads to meet these challenging times.
[See the list on Bookshop.org]
-
Donate Food
The Olmsted County DFLs will donate all nonperishable food items collected in December to the Pamoja Women’s food pantry. Show up for our Somali neighbors and let them know that we stand with them. Unequivocally.
[Learn More Below]
Give What You Can — Community Food Drive (Dec 5–16)
Date: Friday, Dec 5th – Tuesday, Dec 16th • Drop-off hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM CT
Sponsor: Experience Rochester MN × Mayo Civic Center supporting Community Food Response
Format: Donation drop-off
Details: Help fight hunger in the Rochester area by donating non‑perishable food and essential household items. All donations directly benefit Community Food Response, a local volunteer‑driven organization supporting individuals and families across the region.
Most‑needed items:
Canned proteins
Peanut butter
Pasta and rice
Canned fruits and vegetables
Cereal and oatmeal
Seasonal items
Personal care products
Location: Mayo Civic Center — Guest Relations Desk (Skyway Level, 2nd Floor)
Registration: Not required
DFL December Food Drive
This month, the DFL food drive will benefit the Pamoja Women’s food pantry. Their shelves are completely empty, and many of the families they serve are currently too afraid to shop for essentials due to the climate created by recent rhetoric. Pamoja Women support east African women and their families by helping them overcome barriers, access resources, and thrive. Your donations will make an immediate difference for these families. We will collect food at our office and deliver to Pajoma Women, where it will be distributed to neighbors in need.
Drop off shelf stable items at the DFL offices - 1500 1st Ave NE, Suite A throughout the month of December. Our office is open 1pm - 4pm M-F. Additionally, we will have a donation box in the vestibule, which is accessible from 8am-5pm M-F (come through the main door of the 1500 building and take the first left).
Please help us show up for our Somali neighbors in this time of need and let them know we stand with them. Unequivocally.
Learn more about this wonderful organization at https://www.pamojawomen.org/
MONDAY — Dec 15th
Indivisible 507 Pizza Party: Celebrating our 2025 accomplishments
Date: Monday, December 15th, 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM
Location: Peace United Church 1503 2nd Ave NE, Rochester, MN 55906
Organizer: Indivisible 507
Details: The monthly Indivisible meeting with bonus pizza party! Pizza will be provided. Bring a side dish to share. Celebrate a year of working together to defend democracy.
More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/1208854871100696
Move On: Volunteer Network Call
Date: Monday, Dec 15th • 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM CT
Sponsor: Move On
Format: Virtual (Zoom)
Details: Welcome to MoveOn's Volunteer Network Call (VNC)! Join us on the third Monday of each month for our monthly community call. These calls offer a platform for activists and supporters to stay informed about MoveOn's campaigns, connect with like-minded individuals, and collaborate on strategies to drive progressive change.
Each call features updates from MoveOn leaders, guest speakers, and opportunities for participants to ask questions and contribute their perspectives. Whether you're a seasoned activist, new MoveOn member, or new to the movement, these calls provide valuable insights and a sense of community in the fight for social justice.
Mobilize registration: https://www.mobilize.us/moveon/event/750276/
TUESDAY — Dec 16th
Indivisible Weekly Protest
Date: Tuesday, December 16 • 4:00–5:30 PM (CT)
Sponsor: Indivisible 507
Location: Barlow Plaza • 1131 6th St NW, Rochester
Details: BUNDLE UP, bring your favorite sign and join us in fighting for democracy. Please stay on the public sidewalk, watch your step, and be peaceful and safe.
Links:
Organization page: https://indivisible507.org/
Registration: Mobilize
Stop the Pine Island Data Center
Call to Action: City Council Meeting
Date/Time: Tuesday December 16th 6:00–7:00 p.m.
Location: Pine Island City Council Chambers, Pine Island City Hall (250 S Main St, Pine Island, MN 55963)
Sponsor: Stop the Pine Island Data Center
Details: If you oppose the proposed data center, please show up. Your presence matters, and your voice matters even more.
For those community members you are comfortable speaking in front of city staff, you do not need a long speech. Simply step up and say you oppose the project and share 2–3 sentences about why.
If you believe more information is needed before any approval, you can simply state that you oppose the project until transparency and clarity are provided.
Link to the data center application (submitted by Ryan and Company at the Nov. 10 Planning & Zoning meeting. Application begins on page 3.):
https://pineislandmn.gov/vertical/sites/%7B52A5D060-3422-4069-8E86-A961C2752B7F%7D/uploads/November_10th_2025_Packet.pdf
IMPORTANT: If you plan to speak, you must call City Hall 507-356-4591 by 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 16 to be added to the agenda.
To learn more about the proposed project and how it will affect Pine Island and surrounding areas, check out the information on the group’s Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1117176807284432/?ref=share&mibextid=NSMWBT
More information: https://facebook.com/events/s/planning-and-zoning-meeting-pu/876939138607374/
Know Your Rights for Immigrants — Virtual Advocacy Event
Date: Tuesday, Dec 16th • 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM CT
Sponsor: ACLU Florida, with ACLU FL - FLIJ
Format: Virtual Training (Know Your Rights)
Details: Regardless of your immigration status, you have guaranteed rights under the Constitution. Learn how to protect yourself, your family, and your community. This session will not be recorded.
Registration: Mobilize
WEDNESDAY — Dec 17th
Technology Review — Focus on Today’s Emerging Technology (Virtual Training)
Date: Wednesday, December 17 • 2:00 PM–4:00 PM (CT)
Sponsor: Indivisible NWSOFA
Format: Virtual training
Details: Join Indivisible NWSOFA for a hands-on technology review focused on Discord and Signal. This working session will cover what these tools are, how to use them, and live, on-screen demonstrations to support organizing and coordination. Participants are encouraged to bring questions and follow along in real time.
Zoom link (join 5–10 minutes early): https://bit.ly/NWSOFA-Zoom
RSVP here: https://mobilize.us/s/kc1VVX
For the best experience, join from a computer or tablet with internet access.
Adopt a Day Labor Corner — Volunteer Check‑in
Date: Wednesday, Dec 17th • 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM CT
Sponsor: National Day Laborer Organizing Network (NDLON)
Format: Virtual Meeting
Details: Volunteers who have adopted a Day Labor Corner are invited to a Zoom check-in to share updates, receive guidance, and connect with others doing this work. Even if you did not join at the beginning of the campaign, this call is a helpful entry point and a good opportunity to get oriented, learn what’s happening on the ground, and plug in.
The call will include updates from groups on the ground, shared tips and materials, and open discussion with time for questions.
This effort is part of a broader campaign led by the National Day Laborer Organizing Network (NDLON) to support workers, build grassroots power, and strengthen local efforts.
Registration: Mobilize
THURSDAY — Dec 18th
Our Journeys: Multicultural Stories of Healing and Recovery
Date: Thursday, December 18, 2025 • 11:30 AM CT
Sponsor: NAMI Minnesota (National Alliance on Mental Illness)
Format: Virtual Presentation
Details: Our Journeys: Multicultural Stories of Healing and Recovery is a presentation that centers on cultural storytelling, community conversation, awareness, and resource sharing. The program is led by multicultural individuals living with mental illnesses who share their lived experiences and paths to wellness. Designed by and for underrepresented racial, cultural, and ethnic communities, this session offers connection, hope, and insight into recovery.
Registration: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/OP2b4PgnTUWZOedMoZOeWA#/registration
Social Worker Hours
Date: Thursday, Dec 18th • 1:30 PM – 5:00 PM CT
Sponsor: Rochester Public Library
Format: In-person drop-in (Community Corner, 2nd Floor)
Details: A GPS Social Worker is available at the library to connect you to local resources for housing, food, employment, health, safety and other community services.
Location: Rochester Public Library — 101 2nd Street SE, Rochester, MN 55904
Contact: GPS Social Worker • gpsintake@co.olmsted.mn.us • (507) 328-6325
More info: Event page
Walk in Support of Planned Parenthood
Date: Thursday, Dec 18th • 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Sponsor: This informal walk is held by individual members of Indivisible and the community and is not sponsored by any group.
Details: Stand up for reproductive freedom by supporting Planned Parenthood of Rochester. Bring your best sign and dress for the weather.
Location: Sidewalk out front of the Northgate Center where Planned Parenthood is located — 1212 7th St NW, Rochester, MN 55901
More info: https://facebook.com/events/s/walk-in-support-of-planned-par/1536287350756387/
Bystander Intervention to Support the Immigrant Community
Date: Thursday, Dec 18th • 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM CT
Sponsor: Right To Be
Format: Virtual Training (Interactive)
Details: Learn the 5Ds of Bystander Intervention to safely and effectively support immigrant communities facing hate, harassment, or discrimination.
Registration: Event page
More Info: Right To Be
FRIDAY — Dec 19th
Learn and Prepare
Holiday weeks can be quieter, which makes them a good time to build skills and stay informed. Take some time to review trusted resources on knowing your rights, digital safety, or local organizing tools. Preparation is part of protection, and being informed helps us show up more effectively when it matters.
Resources: https://www.mn50501rochester.org/resources
SATURDAY — Dec 20th
Care for Each Other
Not all action happens at an event. Check in with someone who may be feeling isolated, targeted, or overwhelmed.
Share a meal, offer a ride, help with an errand, or make a call. Mutual care is not separate from resistance. It is what sustains us.
SUNDAY — Dec 21st
Reflect and Connect
Use today to reflect on the week and talk with others about what is happening locally and nationally.
Conversations build clarity and courage. Share resources, discuss values, and think about how you want to show up in the weeks ahead
Upcoming events…
FREE AMERICA WALKOUT PLEDGE
We stand in solidarity with the Women’s March and their call to action. On January 20th, many across the country will walk out to defend our freedom and protect each other. There are many ways for you to join and stand with this collective push for a Free America. Mark your calendar, amplify the message, and stay connected here for next steps.
Take the pledge to walk out: Event Page
More info: Women’s March
Book of the Month
☆
Book of the Month ☆
December's Book of the Month is here!
Healing Justice Lineages by Cara Page & Erica Woodland.
Nicole especially recommends the chapter on Harriet Tubman by Dr. Alexis Pauline Gumbs as a meditation for closing out this tumultuous year.
"In this anthology, Black Queer Feminist editors Cara Page and Erica Woodland guide readers through the history, legacies, and liberatory practices of healing justice—a political strategy of collective care and safety that intervenes on generational trauma from systemic violence and oppression. They call forth the ancestral medicines and healing practices that have sustained communities who have survived genocide and oppression, while radically imagining what comes next.
Anti-capitalist, Black feminist, and abolitionist, Healing Justice Lineages is a profound and urgent call to embrace community and survivor-led care strategies as models that push beyond commodified self-care, the policing of the medical industrial complex, and the surveillance of the public health system. Centering disability, reproductive, environmental, and transformative justice and harm reduction, this collection elevates and archives an ongoing tradition of liberation and survival—one that has been largely left out of our history books, but continues to this day."
To buy this book through Griot Arts, a delightful small business right here in Rochester's downtown, with the convenience of the internet, visit Griot’s bookshop storefront (https://bookshop.org/a/103182/9781623177140)
Each month our friend, Nicole Nfonoyim-Hara, at Griot Arts will bring us a recommended read and invite the community to read along. We hope that these books will inspire and empower you with knowledge and tools to build a more equitable and just community. Read, learn, then pass along to a friend!