Affiliate Spotlight: A Steady Commitment to Change
As we reflect on the tireless efforts of Move to Amend’s network of activists, one group stands out for its remarkable accomplishments over the past year: the Minnesota Move to Amend State Network. While the national conversation has largely focused on election cycles and the immediate political landscape, this Minnesota-based team has quietly yet powerfully laid the groundwork for long-term systemic change—gathering 65 Pledges to Amend from candidates—the most of any affiliate group. With this impressive achievement, they have set a high bar for grassroots movements everywhere, proving that when communities unite with a shared purpose, they can drive monumental change.
What makes Minnesota’s approach particularly inspiring is the consistency and dedication of its volunteers. Over the course of 2024, this group has shown that steady, continuous effort can lead to real transformation. Their work is grounded in regular legislative action meetings and consistent “office hours” sessions, where they connect directly with the community and keep the pressure on lawmakers to support the We the People Amendment. These meetings have been more than just logistical gatherings—they’ve become an incubator for ideas, strategies, and collective action, ensuring that their voices are heard in the halls of the Minnesota legislature and beyond.
This steady engagement has paid off, as evidenced by their impressive milestone of 65 pledges to support the We the People Amendment. In addition to 40 new pledges collected during the campaign, they secured 25 carry-forward pledges from candidates running for re-election, showing that the commitment to corporate accountability and a people-first democracy is growing stronger with each election cycle.
Beyond the numbers, the Minnesota team has been able to tap into the pulse of the community, from the streets to the state legislature. Whether at events like Our Streets Cedar or the Selby Ave JazzFest, where they gathered 105 petition signatures in just one month, the team has successfully connected with people across Minnesota who are eager to restore democracy by dismantling corporate rule. Their outreach goes beyond collecting signatures—it's about fostering deeper, more meaningful conversations about the power of the people in a government that has long been beholden to corporate interests.
And the work hasn’t been confined to their own state. Through partnerships with organizations like We Choose Us, Minnesota Move to Amend has expanded its reach, participating in monthly planning meetings and contributing to collective efforts for justice across the country. These collaborations demonstrate the group’s commitment to the broader movement, working not only to amend the Constitution but to build a more just and democratic society for all.
The Power of Individual Advocacy: Fernanda Lugo
While Minnesota’s network of volunteers has been busy making waves locally, another inspiring story is unfolding in El Paso, Texas, where Fernanda Lugo has been making her mark in advocacy work. A devoted volunteer and community organizer, Fernanda has been actively engaged in promoting social justice, environmental sustainability, and corporate accountability—values that align closely with the mission of Move to Amend.
Fernanda’s advocacy extends far beyond the borders of her hometown. She has worked diligently to connect Move to Amend with her local efforts, engaging a diverse range of people in El Paso and showing them how corporate rule impacts everything from their everyday lives to the broader global community. Her work has created a bridge between Move to Amend’s goals and the local efforts to fight injustice, showing how deeply intertwined the struggle for democracy is with the fight for social and environmental justice.
Fernanda’s contribution to Move to Amend is more than just advocacy—she’s a connector, linking various movements and creating space for dialogue about the intersection of corporate power and the urgent need for political change.
As with any movement, the consistency of commitment over time often proves to be the most powerful force. It’s the long-term dedication to causes that matter, the loyalty to the work and the people involved, that truly creates lasting change. And, as a testament to her dedication, Fernanda has been invited as the special guest for EcoNet’s upcoming Singing Tree event. This monthly series continues to elevate voices that speak out against ecological destruction, with Fernanda providing a vital perspective on the ways in which communities are pushing back against the damage caused by corporate-driven environmental policies. Her participation in EcoNet underscores the importance of connecting environmental justice to the broader goal of dismantling corporate rule, providing a platform for grassroots leaders to share their stories and strategies.
The Singing Tree event, part of our Ecology Network (EcoNet) series, is one not to miss. Fernanda’s involvement highlights the deep connection between ecological justice and corporate accountability, offering attendees valuable insights into how these issues are being tackled at the community level—and why the We the People Amendment is more crucial than ever.
A Vision for 2025
Looking ahead, both Minnesota Move to Amend and Fernanda Lugo are poised to continue their power-building work. Minnesota’s steady progress and Fernanda’s inspiring advocacy show the immense power of grassroots movements to change the political landscape, ensuring that the fight for democracy and justice is never sidelined by election cycles or political trends. Their efforts serve as a powerful reminder that it is through the dedication of individuals and communities that we can bring about the real, systemic changes we so urgently need.
As we close out 2024, the work of Minnesota Move to Amend and Fernanda Lugo serves as a testament to the ongoing, relentless fight for a democracy that works for the people, not corporations. Their efforts are just the beginning, and with your continued support, we can ensure that 2025 will be a year of even greater impact.
