Amplifying local voices and actions for justice.
Welcome to the first edition of Resistance Roundup — your weekly guide to local action, connection, and community care. Each week we’ll spotlight real ways to show up, lend a hand, and help keep Rochester moving toward justice and collective wellbeing.
This week, with so many families feeling the impact of SNAP funding cuts, we’re centering food access and solidarity. Check out the Rochester Community Essentials Drive (details below), the MN-50501 fundraiser for The Food Group MN (details below), and other ways you can help strengthen the network of support that keeps our community going.
Featured Actions
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Donate Essentials
Help restock Rochester Public Schools’ high school resource rooms with everyday essentials our students rely on.
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Stay Connected
Follow us to stay informed about local actions, events, and community updates.
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Volunteer With Us
Be part of our growing network of neighbors organizing for change. There’s always a way to plug in that fits your time and energy.
Mass Mutual Aid on a massive scale. Join MN-50501’s call to action!
Starting November 1st, SNAP benefits in Minnesota will be cut off. Because of this, over 440,000 Minnesotans will not receive their vital food assistance benefits, including over 152,000 Minnesota children who rely on SNAP.
Please help us bridge the gap for thousands of Minnesotans that need our help as we raise money for The Food Group MN. The Food Group is a crucial resource in Minnesota that helps to coordinate efforts and support with over 200 local food shelves across the state. It will take all of us pitching in.
The average SNAP benefit is around $7/person per day. The price most of us pay for a fancy coffee. Please consider donating.
At MN 50501, we believe that the best antidote to the tyranny of the 1% is a strong community. By building and strengthening our local communities, we connect Minnesotans, creating a higher-trust society, as well as opportunities for mutual aid and information networks. We foster our local communities through our Community Aid Team, as well as community building rallies and events.
MONDAY — Nov 3rd
Community Essentials Donation Drive
Date: Monday, Nov 3rd - Monday Nov 10th
Time: Any time during business hours at participating partner locations (and a no park, drive-thru drop off option at Little Thistle Friday 4-7pm)
Locations:
TerraLoco (1190 16th Street SW #150) - Mon-Fri 11AM-7PM, Sat 10AM-5PM
Little Thistle Brewing (2031 14th St NW) - Tues, Wed & Thursday 3-9PM, Friday & Saturday, 12-10PM, Sunday 12-6PM
NAMI (2746 Superior Dr NW Ste 110) - Monday - Thursday 10AM-3PM
Broadway Dental Care (922 North Broadway) - Hours Vary
Sponsor: MN50501-Rochester in partnership with participating local businesses above
Details:
What: Local businesses, leaders and organizations are joining forces to collect essentials for the students and their families in need in our community. Please see the WISH LIST for most needed items.
Why: Local high school resource rooms provide everyday essentials to students in need— things that help them show up to school with confidence, dignity, and focus.
Who: We are partnering with the Rochester Public Schools High School Resource Rooms to distribute essentials directly to those who need it most - no questions asked, no hoops to jump through, just needs being met.
How: Many local businesses are hosting donation boxes. We are also offering a drive-thru drop off time for your convenience on November 7th (4-7pm). Donations will be collected, sorted & delivered by volunteers. Additionally, you may join the $5 5K at TerraLoco on November 10th to donate dollars directly.
When: The need is now, that’s why we want to get these items into the Resource Rooms ASAP. Multiple opportunities available to drop off your donations!
Questions: tiffany@runterraloco.com
TUESDAY — Nov 4th
Date/Time: Tuesday Nov 4th, 4:00-5:30PM
Location: Barlow Plaza (1131 6th St NW, Rochester)
Sponsor: Indivisible 507
Details: Bring your favorite sign and fight for democracy with us! Please say on the public sidewalk, watch your step, and be peaceful and safe!
More information: https://indivisible507.org
Indivisible Weekly Protest
WEDNESDAY — Nov 5th
COMMUNITY FOOD DRIVE
Date/Time: Wednesdays and Fridays 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Location: Griot Arts (115 N Broadway Ave., Rochester)
Sponsor: Journie/Griot Arts
Details: Please help local families in crisis caused by the SNAP food benefit shutdown by donating shelf-stable food or essential household items. Drop off at Griot Arts on Wednesdays and Fridays (11am-5pm). *If you are in need of donations for your family, please bring proof of SNAP benefits (or SNAP card) to collect items on Saturdays 11am-2pm.
Together, we can show what real leadership and community look like.
See https://www.facebook.com/journieproject for more details.
For more information or to help organize a drive, contact: nashauna@journieproject.org
Date/Time: Wednesday Nov 5th, 5:00-6:00PM
Location: Chatfield City Park (305 Main St S, Chatfield )
Sponsor: Fillmore DFL
Details: Join us for a Rural Rally for Democracy and show your support for DFL values! This is a great opportunity to come together with fellow community members and show our community that we believe in democracy. Bring your energy, your signs, and your friends as we show up against the radical Republican agenda!
Event will be held rain or shine.
Please bring a non-perishable donation for the Chatfield Food Bank.
More information:
fcdfloutreach@gmail.com
https://www.facebook.com/events/1213253387492759/1213253390826092/
Rural Rally for Democracy
Solidarity in Action: Protect Immigrant Rights, Build Collective Power
Date/Time: Wednesday Nov 5th, 6:00-7:00PM (central time)
Location: Virtual (Zoom)
Sponsor: Indivisible
Details: As part of the Solidarity in Action series, this ACLU-led session will help allies show up for immigrant communities facing law enforcement encounters. Participants will learn their rights as bystanders, immigrant rights during these interactions, and practical strategies to act safely and effectively. Together, we’ll strengthen our collective ability to protect one another and build the solidarity our communities need to thrive.
This is movement training for action: you’ll leave ready to not only defend your neighbors in the moment, but also strengthen the collective resistance that fuels our movements for immigrant justice.
More information/register: https://www.mobilize.us/indivisible/event/852565/
THURSDAY — Nov 7th
Gov. Walz Town Hall: Gun Violence Prevention
Date/Time: Thursday Nov 7th, 4:00-5:30PM
Location: (available at registration)
Sponsor: Minnesota DFL
Details: Join the Minnesota DFL, along with elected officials, gun safety organizations, doctors, educators, survivors, and community members from across Minnesota, as we host an event to Stand Up for Gun Violence Prevention.
Together, we’ll talk about how our shared Minnesota values—safety, fairness, and responsibility—can guide the next chapter of our work to prevent gun violence and protect every family in our state.
At this event, you’ll:
Hear stories of action and resilience from people working to keep their communities safe.
Learn what’s already making a difference, and what comes next.
Get connected to clear steps: working with elected officials, joining advocacy groups, or attending community safety trainings.
Safety is a Minnesota value. Let’s keep building a state where everyone feels safe at home, at school, and in their community.
Event venue to be shared closer to the event. Don’t miss your chance to take action and join the conversation.
More information: https://www.mobilize.us/dfl/event/863688/
FRIDAY — Nov 8th
Drive thru dropoff at Little Thistle for Essentials Donation Drive
Date/Time: Friday Nov 7th, 4:00-7:00PM
Location: Little Thistle Brewing (2031 14th Street NW just off of Valley High Drive in Rochester)
Sponsor: MN 50501-Rochester and participating local businesses
Details: Local businesses, leaders and organizations are joining forces to collect essentials for the students and their families in need in our community. We are partnering with the Rochester Public Schools High School Resource Rooms to distribute essentials directly to those who need it most - no questions asked, no hoops to jump through, just needs being met.
Local high school resource rooms provide everyday essentials to students in need— things that help them show up to school with confidence, dignity, and focus. Please see the WISH LIST for most needed items.
On Friday, November 7th (4-7pm), we are offering a drive-thru drop off time for your convenience. Donations will be collected, sorted & delivered by MN50501-Rochester volunteers. Just swing by with your items, and we will take care of the rest!
Questions: tiffany@runterraloco.com
SATURDAY — Nov 9th
DFL Policy Panel: Cannabis in 2025
Date/Time: Saturday Nov 9th, 1:00-3:00PM
Location: DFL Offices (1500 1st Ave NE, Suite A, Rochester)
Sponsor: The DFLs of Olmsted County
Details:
What's the current status of cannabis in MN?
What impact does cannabis have on our communities?
What's the financial impact of the new legislation?
Discuss these questions and more at the DFL's next policy panel
More information:
amplify@rochestermndfl.org
https://www.rochestermndfl.org/
SUNDAY — Nov 10th
Date/Time: Sunday Nov 10th, Seating at 5:30PM and 7:00PM
Location: North Stone Kitchen, inside the Marriott Hotel (101 1st Ave SW, Rochester)
Sponsor: North Stone Kitchen and Channel One Regional Food Bank
Details: Join us for an evening of community, connection, and purpose. North Stone Kitchen will present a chef-inspired multi-course dinner in partnership with Channel One Food Bank.
What to expect: A seasonal, locally sourced menu. Live music and warm atmosphere
$5 from every meal will be donated to Channel One Food Bank to support hunger relief
To Learn More and reserve your table today click the link below —space is limited.
Tickets/more information: https://northstonekitchen-vip.my.canva.site/gather-for-good-harvest-dinner
Gather For Good Harvest Dinner
A note from MN50501-Rochester: Be aware that only $5 per meal purchased will be donated to the Channel One Food Bank from this event. Please consider increasing your donation by giving directly HERE. Whether or not you are attending this event, financial donations to Channel One are always welcome and especially critical for our community at this time.
Support our local businesses!
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Support our local businesses! ☆
Community Spotlight: TerraLoco
In our very first community spotlight, we’re excited to feature TerraLoco, a beloved local running and outdoor gear store here in Rochester, Minnesota. Known for their fantastic selection of athletic footwear and activewear, they’re also a hub for local runners and a supporter of community fitness events.
The shop owner, Tiffany Piotrowicz, is committed to lifting up her community through various charitable initiatives throughout the year as well as personal community service. She is the driving force behind the MN50501-Rochester’s Community Essentials Drive, so it is timely that we give her a shoutout this week. Thank you for all you do, Tiffany!
Whether you’re gearing up for a marathon or just a morning jog, swing by and check them out!
Address: 1190 16th Street SW #150, Rochester, MN 55902
Phone: 507-289-5626
Hours: Mon-Fri 11AM-7PM, Sat 10AM-5PM
Website: https://runterraloco.com/
Book of the Month coming soon!
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Book of the Month coming soon! ☆
Our friend, Nicole Nfonoyim-Hara, at Griot Arts put together a terrific recommended reading list for our Good Trouble Lives On rally in July. We will be featuring one of her recommended reads in the Roundup each month, where Nicole will introduce the book and invite the community to read along. You can check out her list here, and other Good Trouble Toolkit of resources here.
Shop at Griot Arts, or purchase at Bookshop.org through the Griot Arts store front to keep your money local and support a wonderful small business in our community!
We have work to do, Rochester. 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!