After reflecting on Wednesday's activities, we feel our direct action in the Minnesota Senate gallery was successful: it was safe, we were informed, we were organized, and impactful. There are several accounts of the activities from various media sources:
- UpTake Video 5/11 (with a fantastic raw video by Bill Sorem capturing the passion of supporters and professionalism of security)
- WCCO 5/11 (great coverage/video by Pat Kessler; perfect delivery of our message)
- KARE 5/11 (great interview with Nikki)
- Star Tribune Hot Dish Politics 5/11 (with a great photo of Galen being arrested)
- MinnPost 5/11
- SMILES CIL 5/11
- Pierce County (Wisconsin) Herald 5/11
- Area Voices Capitol Chatter 5/11
- Google Web Search: Minnesota Senate disability protest
NUMEROUS CONTRIBUTORS TO SUCCESS
The success of our action would not have been possible without every one of the 15 ADAPTers who were at the Capitol, all the ADAPTers in Minnesota and throughout the country supporting us, and all of the people participating in our local ADAPT chapter. Special thanks go to Galen Smith, Chris Bell, Nikki Villavicencio-Tollison, and Darrell Paulsen for your leadership, courage, and voice speaking on behalf of our community. Thank you to OutFront Minnesota and the Welfare Rights Committee for their friendship, solidarity, and support. Thank you to Capitol Security and the State Troopers for their professionalism, understanding, and patience. And, thank you to the many MANY people behind the scenes and numerous supporters nationwide that made our action possible and successful. Everyone contributed to our action being safe, informed, organized, and impactful.
WE WILL NOT GO AWAY UNTIL EQUAL RIGHTS ENJOYED BY *EVERYONE*
We'll continue fighting alongside our allies to demand that local, state, and federal officials ensure there is Nothing About Us, Without Us. We'll insist that they recognize us as People, Not Patients. We'll make sure officials understand it's better for *EVERYONE in our society* to be in Our Homes, Not Nursing Homes. We'll be sure they understand Real Cuts cause Real Harm for Real Lives -- inevitably, Budget Cuts Kill. We'll call for them to Stop Defunding Our Freedom and Start Defending Our Rights. For our friends and neighbors who've already lost their freedom, we'll implore officials to Free Our People. In the end, we know that People United, Will NEVER Be Defeated. Until there is Equal Opportunity for Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness for EVERYONE throughout our communities, we WILL continue to Defend Our Rights and Freedom; We WILL NOT Go Away. We'd Rather Go to Jail than Die in a Nursing Home.
UPCOMING MEETING FOR ADAPT MINNESOTA TWIN CITIES METRO
People with a passion for equal rights and equal opportunity are welcome to join us next Wednesday, May 18, 2011 between 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. at the Griggs-Midway Building ( 1821 University Avenue West, St. Paul, MN 55104 ). We'll offer a very quick overview of the disability movement, the role of ADAPT, and how people can become involved in our fight by sharing their skills at whatever level of commitment they are comfortable with. Please remember that all our activities are scent free to offer equal opportunities for equal participation for everyone.
MORE INFORMATION (links provided for informational purposes only and do not imply endorsement nor participation)
• MN Budget Project: Cuts-Only Approach Jeopardizes the Independence of People with Disabilities
• Change.org Petition: Restore funding for disability services and programs!
• Legislative Updates by Minnesota Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities
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