TakeAction Minnesota

Overview

TakeAction Minnesota is a social welfare organization and political advocacy group operating in the U.S. state of Minnesota. It was founded in 2006 through the merger of Progressive Minnesota and the Minnesota Alliance for Progressive Action. The organization's mission is to unite diverse individuals, communities, and organizations to build racial, social, and economic justice through active grassroots democracy.

Structure

TakeAction Minnesota is incorporated as a 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization, which allows it to engage in community organizing, coalition-building, issue campaigns, direct lobbying, and candidate endorsements[3]. The group functions as a coalition of various organizations, including labor unions and advocacy groups focused on environmental protection, education, and social justice issues. It claims 6,000 individual dues-paying members and maintains a mailing list of 50,000 people[1].

Programs and Activities

Movement Politics

The organization's Movement Politics department focuses on training and electing progressive candidates through endorsements, electoral campaigns, public leadership training, and the Movement Political Leadership Program[2].

Organizing

TakeAction Minnesota organizes people from diverse backgrounds to build power within their communities, grow as public leaders, and engage in collective action for social change[2].

Public Affairs

The Public Affairs department works on policy campaigns, communications strategies, and narrative development to collaborate with public leaders and other movement partners[2].

Campaigns and Endorsements

TakeAction Minnesota actively campaigns on state-level issues such as expanded access to healthcare, paid family and medical leave, renewable energy, and gun violence prevention[1]. The organization has supported several political campaigns, including the successful mayoral candidacy of Betsy Hodges in 2013 and the endorsement of Bernie Sanders' presidential campaign in 2020, marking its first presidential endorsement[1].

Affiliations and Partnerships

TakeAction Minnesota is affiliated with national organizations such as People's Action and CPD Action[1]. It also partners with local organizations, including Hmong Americans for Justice, which is part of its member coalition[1].

Education Fund

The TakeAction Minnesota Education Fund is a separate 501(c)(3) organization focused on nonpartisan activities like community organizing, policy research, public education, and civic engagement. It maintains a separate board and files its own tax returns[3][4].

Legacy and Impact

TakeAction Minnesota is recognized as a significant force in progressive politics within Minnesota, playing a role in shaping the state's political landscape through grassroots mobilization and advocacy for liberal causes[1].