Our Meeting Details

Our Next Meetings:

Wednesday, May 27, 2026 | 5:00 – 6:00 pm CT

Data Centers and the Billionaires: The Fight for Democracy and the Environment

Guest Speaker: Kathryn Hoffman, Executive Director of Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy (MCEA)

As data centers rapidly expand across Minnesota and the country, they are reshaping local economies while placing increasing pressure on energy, water, and land resources. This talk, presented by a speaker from the Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy (MCEA), explores who benefits from this growth, often large tech companies and billionaire investors, and the cost bearers in local communities and the environment. It examines how democratic processes can be sidelined in the push to fast track development, reviews proposed legislation aimed at regulating data center expansion, and how communities can advocate for transparency, accountability, and more sustainable outcomes.

One-year Anniversary of Women Defending Democracy

Wednesday, July 8, 2026 | 5:00 – 6:00 pm CT

Guest Speaker: Barbara McQuade, author, lawyer and legal analyst, to discuss her new book:

The Fix: Saving America from the Corruption of a Mob-Style Government 

In July of this year, we will hold a special session to honor one year of Women Defending Democracy and our shared commitment to collective action. We are proud of what we have built together and want to take this opportunity to reflect, celebrate, and remind ourselves of the difference we can make when we act together.

For this special session, we are thrilled to welcome Barbara McQuade as our guest speaker. McQuade is an American lawyer who served as the US Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan from 2010 to 2017. She is a professor of law at the University of Michigan Law School, a legal analyst for NBC News and MSNBC, and cohost of the podcast #SistersInLaw. She is the author of Attack from Within and her forthcoming book: The Fix: Saving America from the Corruption of a Mob-Style Government.

Past Meetings:

Wednesday, April 29, 2026 | 5:00 – 6:00 pm CT 

Women Defending Democracy: Building Power Through Collective Action. Reviewing how we take action and strengthening our collective strategy.

Hosted by Alicia Gibson, LWV Edina 

Nearing one year out and with 500 participants now registered across the state, we have a real opportunity to take meaningful action together and defend our democracy. 

So we dedicated this session in response to participant feedback to review our work and connect to the Unite & Rise 8.5 effort advocated by the LWVUS that aims to mobilize local Leagues. We provided a refresher on Maximizing Impact and focusing on strengthening our collective action. We also reviewed how to access our WDD Resource Pages, issue-based Action Sheets, and use the Action Tracker. 

We want everyone to feel informed, included, and ready to take part. So we took a moment to refresh and review how we take action to strengthen our collective efforts. 

See our Maximizing Impact PP: How Constituents Can Most Effectively Defend Democracy

If you missed the review session, watch the recording here. Don’t forget the Passcode: !d%0DK5S 

Wednesday, April 1, 2026 | 5:00 – 6:00 pm CT 

Under Threat: Freedom of the Press and the First Amendment

Guest Speaker: Jill Burcum, Strib Editorial Board and two-time Pulitzer Prize finalist

Hosted by Kitty Westin

Jill traced the growing crisis of media consolidation to the Telecommunications Act of 1996, which paved the way for massive mergers like Nexstar’s recent acquisition of Tegna and Paramount’s proposed $111 Billion deal involving Warner Bros Discovery. As media control concentrates in fewer hands, so does influence over what the public sees and hears. At the same time, another alarming trend is emerging: federal regulators have begun threatening to revoke broadcast licenses over unfavorable coverage, signaling increasing political pressure on the press and raising serious First Amendment concerns. This is happening not just in traditional media, but in streaming platforms like Hulu, Netflix, and others.

To quote Jill: "When media consolidates, there's something way bigger at stake and that’s the information that a democracy needs to function and thrive.”

See Jill's excellent Strib editorial in this Sunday's paper: Burcum: Two deaths, zero accountability

If you missed Jill's excellent session, watch the recording here  Don’t forget the Passcode: Dp=t0?b

Wednesday, March 18, 2026 | 5:00 – 6:00 pm CT 

Justice for All: The Plague of Sexual Abuse in the Epstein Era

Guest Speaker: Anne Midgette, Author & Former Chief Classical Music Critic, The Washington Post; NY Times, WNYC & NPR Contributor

Hosted by Sarah Stephens

Journalist Anne Midgette gave a very informative talk on the parallels between the crimes exposed during the #MeToo movement and the Epstein files. She co-authored the groundbreaking The Washington Post exposé (2018) based on eight months of interviews with more than 50 victims. She has continued her work on additional cases beyond the original reporting and advocating for survivors’ rights and justice for victims. 

See Anne Midgette’s 2018 WP article: Assaults in the Dressing Room 

If you missed this session with Anne Midgette, watch the recording here. Don’t forget to the Passcode: C.5fBJ&s

Wednesday, March 4, 2026 | 5:00 – 6:00 pm CT 

Defending Civil Rights in Minnesota: Legal and Policy Responses to ICE

Guest Speaker: John Boehler, Policy Counsel, ACLU Minnesota

Hosted by Alicia Gibson, LWVEdina

John Boehler, Policy Counsel at the American Civil Liberties Union of Minnesota, spoke on the organization’s response to what advocates describe as the largest scale of constitutional rights violations in Minnesota’s history stemming from recent enforcement actions by ICE. He will discuss the ACLU’s litigation on unlawfully detention, racial profiling, and ensuring access to counsel for those held at the Whipple Building, where advocates have raised serious human rights concerns. 

He also spoke on proposed legislation - the ICE accountibility laws - conceived in response to ICE’s violations of constitutional rights. We heard how policy efforts defending  fundamental constitutional protections, including due process, equal protection, and the right to legal representation are being considered in the MN state legislature. 

If you missed this session with John Boehler watch the recording here. Don’t forget the Passcode: =iQ3ag@J

Wednesday, February 25, 2026 | 5:00 – 6:00 pm CT 

Local Law Enforcement & Federal Agents: Examining MPD’s Separation Ordinance & its Practice during Operation Metro Surge

Guest Speaker: Chief of the Minneapolis Police Department (MPD) Brian O’Hara

Hosted by Sarah Stephens 

In this Women Defending Democracy session, we were honored to host Minneapolis Chief of Police Brian O’Hara to discuss the Separation Ordinance as a policing strategy and how it has re-shaped the relationship between the MPD and immigrant communities. The conversation gave participants the opportunity to ask questions about the agreement, learn more about the MPD’s critical role during Operation Metro Surge, and engage directly with the Chief on these issues about this particularly challenging and consequential time for our city.

If you missed our exceptional session with Chief O’Hara, watch it here. Don't forget the Passcode: yiKL02n*

Wednesday, February 4, 2026 | 5:00 – 6:00 pm CT 

The Building of American Detention Centers: Profit, Power & Civil Rights 

Guest Speaker: Kari Hong, Appellate Attorney at Florence Immigrant and Refugee Rights Project

Hosted by Meg Walters

Professor Hong, our previous speaker on U.S. Immigration Policy in ’25: Incarceration and Deportation Without Due Process (Civic Buzz, October 2025 recording here), returned to provide an overview of the rapid expansion of American detention centers as an extension of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the for-profit detention industry. She examined the cruelty and inhumane treatment of immigrants, most of whom are law-abiding, and highlighted how these detention centers exploit the system for profit. She addressed the long-term consequences of detention infrastructure on civil rights, due process, and fundamental democratic values for all Americans.

You can review the recording of this session here

Wednesday, January 21, 2026 | 5:00 – 6:00 pm CT 

Local Action & Rapid Response: Sharing Strategies to Protect Our Communities

Co-hosted by Meg Walters & Sarah Stephens

We followed up on the conversation from January 14 by diving deeper into local experiences and strategies. We reviewed the key take aways and discussed Know Your Rights. Participants had the opportunity to share their own experiences, ask questions and discuss how to effectively leverage Rapid Response/ Neighborhood Watch systems and grassroots advocacy in their communities.

Wednesday, January 14, 2026 5-6pm CT 

ICE, Minnesota Law, and Civil Rights & Local Organizing in Practice 

Linus Chan, James H. Binger Clinical Prof of Law, U of MN; Faculty Dir, Detainee Rights Clinic

Elle Neubauer, Powderhorn Neighborhood Organizer in Minneapolis

Co-hosted by Meg Walters and Sarah Stephens

This conversation examined federal immigration enforcement versus local and state authority, clarifying what ICE can and cannot do under federal and Minnesota law, and how local organizers can leverage these rules effective. Professor Chan addressed the legal and legislative framework of current Minnesota immigration policy and laws, and concrete actions individuals and communities can take. Elle shared insights from on-the-ground organizing in the Powderhorn neighborhood, including the use of Rapid Response systems to respond proactively to ICE activity, and how legal advocacy and grassroots organizing can work together to protect our communities and civil rights.

Wednesday, December 10, 2025 | 5:00 – 6:00 pm CT 

End-of-Year Wrap-Up: Women Defending Democracy in Review

Hosted by WDD Steering Committee

The WDD Steering Committee invited our participants to an end-of-the-year Zoom to reflect on our first year of Women Defending Democracy to review and celebrate our collective LWV Unite & Rise 8.5 achievements. We reflected on our 13 sessions since our launch in June 2025, our statewide outreach, and our actions and tracking data, which demonstrate the collective impact we are making. We broke into small groups to share feedback and suggest topics for 2026 and took the time to connect and enjoy some holiday fun together.

Wednesday, November 19, 2025 | 5:00 – 6:00 pm CT 

From Insight to Impact: What’s Next for Women Defending Democracy on Gun Violence

Hosted by Co-Chairs Sarah Stephens & Monica Murphy 

MN Rep. Emma Greenman (HD63B), whose district includes Annunciation Church, graciously agreed to join us at WDD to speak about the legislative task force and what she anticipates for gun reform in the Minnesota State Legislature in 2026. We also welcomed Cathy Thom, LWVMN Advocacy Chair, to speak about the League’s efforts to make gun violence prevention a priority and how the LWVMN Observer & Lobby Corps works, along with Michelle Winter Hanson, Community Engagement Director for MN Moms Demand Action, who updated us on the increase of involvement since the Annunciation tragedy and discuss how we can further mobilize this effort across the state. 

Emma Greenman (MN State House, 63B): “It is a people-created problem, and people created problems can have people-created fixes.”

As a follow-up to our two previous WDD sessions on gun violence, our aim with this session was to equip our members and participants with clear, actionable next steps on how to get involved in driving meaningful results, and to ensure we can have a real impact on this important issue in Minnesota.

Here are some steps you can take:

• Cathy Thom recommends: “The biggest thing you can do right now is join our Lobby Corps.”

        Overview of  LWVMN Observer and Lobby Corps: here

   Join LWVMN Observer and Lobby Corps: 2026 OCLC sign-up form. 

• Join Moms Demand Action MN and become a volunteer here

• Write, email and call your state representatives to encourage them to vote for a ban on assault weapons. See our WDD Action Sheet. 

Here is the recording of the WDD Next Steps session: Zoom recording Passcode: 3&trVkLs

Wednesday, October 22, 2025 | 5:00 – 6:00 pm CT 

Guns, Governance, and Decency: Combating Political Radicalization in America

Special Guest: Ryan Busse, Author and Gun Control Advocate

Co-hosted by Sarah Stephens & Meg Walters

We had an eye-opening session with special guest speaker Ryan Busse - former firearms executive who spent 25 years helping build one of the nation’s leading gun manufacturing companies and became a vocal critic of the industry’s role in right-wing radicalization. Busse documented that the industry’s aggressive marketing over the past two decades has played a central role in fueling a cultural and identity-based radicalism, warning that it poses a serious threat to our democracy. His presentation sparked an active and thought-provoking discussion among participants.

Part of that conversation referenced the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA), passed in 2006, that shields gun manufacturers and sellers from liability when their firearms are used in crimes. See here. 

We’re deeply grateful to Ryan for his powerful and timely presentation, and to everyone who joined us in this vital conversation. We also want to thank Rachel Feldman, Associate Development Director for the Mid-Atlantic region at GIFFORDS, for joining the call and providing an insightful update on the legislative actions and lawsuits currently underway.

Ryan Busse, a native Montanan, is the author of Gunfight: My Battle Against the Industry That Radicalized America (2021), Busse draws on his insider experience to advocate for decency, responsible governance, and resistance to the forces of political radicalization. Busse was the Democratic nominee for Governor of Montana in 2024, is a noted public lands and conservation leader, and currently serves as a Senior Advisor at Giffords, a nonprofit that fights gun violence and advocates for responsible gun laws. He writes for national publications, speaks at major policy and civic events, has testified before Congress, and recently briefed the U.S. Senate on gun issues.

Here the recording of Ryan Busse’s presentation: here   Passcode: 2Bk^i?1t

Wednesday, October 8, 2025 | 5:00 – 6:00 pm CT 

A People-Centered Approach to Banning Assault Weapons 

Special Guest: Zach Lindstrom, Mayor of Mounds View, MN

Hosted by Kitty Westin

This meeting hosted special guest Mayor Lindstrom of Mounds View, a lifelong gun owner and Second Amendment supporter who now supports banning assault-style weapons. He gained attention for his commentary in the Star Tribune, where he shares his personal journey to this position following the school shooting at Annunciation. Mayor Lindstrom is advocating for a Minnesota Constitutional Amendment banning assault weapons.

See Zach Lindstrom’s Commentary on September 9, 2025 in the Minnesota Star Tribune: Here

See this opinion piece from September 28, 2025 in the Minnesota Star Tribune: Why not treat guns as other countries have?  Submitted by Jane Lansing, Catherine Shreves and John Satorius.  Jane Lansing is chair of the League of Women Voters Reimagining Public Safety Committee. Catherine Shreves and John Satorius are co-chairs of Plymouth Congregational Church’s Reimagining Community Safety Group and LWVMpls members.

Here the recording of Zach Lindstrom’s presentation: here Passcode: U$9%TWVy

Wednesday, September 24, 2025 | 5:00 – 6:00 pm CT 

The First Amendment: Five Freedoms That Shape Democracy

Special Guest: Karen Lundquist, Professor at the UofM Law School, Advocacy Chair LWVBloomington

Hosted by Sarah Stephens 

In this session, Karen guided us through a closer examination of the five freedoms guaranteed by the First Amendment, highlighting their protections, the limits set under the law, and the ways these rights are being eroded.

The First Amendment: Five Freedoms That Shape Democracy (PDF)

Recording of Karen Lundquist’s Session/ September 24  (Passcode: =2!skyPc)

Wednesday, September 10, 2025 | 5:00 – 6:00 pm CT

Incarceration Without Due Process - Part ll

Co-hosts: Alicia Gibson & Debby Magnuson

Incarceration without Due Process Presentation (PDF)

Recording of Incarceration without Due Process (Passcode: fz1GQ&jp )

In this WDD session, we revisited the topic of Incarceration Without Due Process by taking a closer look at the constitutional rights being eroded by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). We discussed in more detail what actions you can take if you find yourself witnessing or targeted in an ICE raid.

Incarceration Without Due Process Presentation (PDF)

Know Your RIghts: What to do if you are confronted with ICE (PDF)

Wednesday, August 27, 2025 - Postponed due to the Annuniciation School & Church Shooting

Wednesday, August 13, 2025

Maximizing Impact: How Constituents Can Most Effectively Defend Democracy

Special Guests: Amy Johnson Korba, Managing Outreach Director, and Jeff Lomonaco, Chief of Staff for US Senator Tina Smith (MN)

Hosted by Sarah Stephens

We were delighted to host a conversation with our special guests, Amy Johnson Korba and Jeff Lomonaco, Senior Staff for U.S. Senator Tina Smith. They shared insights from a representative’s perspective on how constituents can most effectively voice their concerns and engage with their elected officials.

Takeaways: How Constituents Can Most Effectively Defend Democracy (PDF)

A recording of the session is available upon request: office@lwvmpls.org.

Wednesday, July 30, 2025

Incarceration Without Due Process

Co-hosts: Alicia Gibson & Debby Magnuson

Our third Women Defending Democracy (WDD) session focused on the rapidly escalating threats to democratic rights posed by the unchecked expansion of the Department of Homeland Security. We discussed alarming developments such as masked ICE agents operating without visible identification, DHS defying court rulings, and an administration-driven goal of arresting 3,000 immigrants per day while significantly increasing detention capacity in profit-driven private prisons. Expanded expedited removal policy now enables authorities to deport individuals nationwide, often to foreign facilities, without providing a hearing.  

Our TAKE ACTION recommendation is to contact your City Council and State Legislators to pass legislation prohibiting the indiscriminate use of masking in law enforcement, support the Dignity Act of 2025—a proposed federal law promoting humane treatment and accountability in immigration enforcement—and learn what steps you can take if you find yourself in an ICE raid.

Link to Incarceration Without Due Process presentation (PDF)                                

Wednesday, July 23, 2025
Women Defending Democracy Advocacy Training
Hosted by Advocate Kitty Westin

As part of our LWVMpls Women Defending Democracy Initiative, we were thrilled to offer an Advocacy Training session with longtime advocate Kitty Westin. Kitty is the former President of the League of Women Voters of Minneapolis, one of the founders of the Eating Disorders Coalition, and a driving force behind the passage of Anna Westin Act (2015). She brings decades of experience in civic engagement and advocacy, and shares our deep commitment to protecting our democratic institutions.

Link to Kitty's presentation (YouTube)

Kitty’s Presentation (PDF) 

Wednesday, July 2, 2025
One Big Beautiful Bill (HR 1)
Co-hosts: Meg Walters & Lisa Mills

With a looming July 4th deadline for passage, the proposed legislation aimed to make sweeping changes that could seriously harm many Americans. It provides for significant tax cuts for the wealthy while imposing severe cuts to programs that assist lower-income Americans, such as Medicaid and SNAP (food stamps). It threatens to roll back environmental protections, create barriers to affordable healthcare (ACA) and cut funding for education. Additionally, it allocates billions of dollars to expand Homeland Security and ICE operations. We discussed these issues and more in our session.

Thursday, June 26, 2025

SAVE Act Postcard Writing Day
Big Hill Books

405 Penn Ave S.

Mpls, MN 55405

Our first in-person WDD meet-up! We gathered to share our recent actions, connect with one another, and write postcards to our representatives. Postcards are provided by the LWVMpls. This is a great opportunity to build community, take action together, and meet fellow WDD participants. 

Wednesday, June 18, 2025
SAVE Act (HR 22)
Co-hosts: Sarah Stephens & Monica Murphy

At our first meeting, participants learned what the SAVE Act proposes and why it threatens voting rights and to upend our current voting system. They shared their concerns and questions in a guided group discussion. A range of collective and individual actions were shared  using templates and guidelines from the LWVUS Unite & Rise Tool Kit. Participants learned how to track their efforts using the WDD Action Sheet and Tracking Form.