Building the Future We Want to See

As we start 2025 here at the Women’s Foundation of Minnesota, we’ve been hearing the anxiety and worry from many of you in the community about what the future holds for those of us who need to access reproductive healthcare, struggle to find jobs that pay a fair wage, and want to ensure our loved ones are safe no matter their gender, race, or other intersecting identities.
During these tumultuous times, the Women’s Foundation of Minnesota is here for you—just as we have been for over 40 years as the first statewide women’s foundation in the country. We remain committed in our mission to end unfair systems and to drive innovation for gender and racial justice—and we want to build that future with you.
As we honor the legacy and dream of Martin Luther King, Jr. next week, below are some actions you can take today and in the coming months to help us build that future we all want to see together. We ask you to join us in whatever way helps you productively channel that nervous energy during these times—whether it is being in solidarity with others in the community at one of our events, supporting our advocacy efforts by writing your legislators or showing up at the Capitol, or by becoming a monthly sustainer over the next four years to do your part in building that future.
We remain hopeful in our ability to work together to ensure everyone can access the healthcare they need, earn fair wages, and live in communities that are safe. Together, we will create a stronger Minnesota.

Forward Together: Rally for Equal Rights
On the first day of legislation session this week, WFM joined Gender Justice and a diverse coalition of Minnesotans to rally at the Capitol for the Minnesota Equal Rights Amendment (ERA). Speakers, including WFM President & CEO, Gloria Perez, and our Young Women’s Initiative Program Manager, Janett Jimenez, took the rally stage to share why the Minnesota legislature should support the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA MN). Afterwards, we greeted legislators as they entered the chambers on the first day of the legislative session.
The Minnesota ERA would explicitly safeguard against discrimination based on race, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy outcomes, and more. With reproductive rights, LGBTQ+ equality, and racial justice poised to be under attack, passing the ERA is an urgent and necessary step to protect Minnesota’s hard-won fundamental freedoms.

Vote in Minnesota Special Elections
Due to the passing of Senator Kari Dziedzic on December 27 and the resignation of House Representative-elect Curtis Johnson, there will be special elections for Senate District 60 and House District 40B. We encourage you to vote in these special elections if you live in these districts and spread the word to other residents of SD60 and HD40B.
Date: January 14 (Special Primary Senate District 60), January 28 (Special Election Senate District 60 & Special Election House District 40B)
Location: View Minnesota Secretary of State – Special Elections to learn about early voting, absentee ballots, and to find your polling location

Sign Up for Policy Updates
Stay up to date on WFM’s progress towards our collective policy agenda goals that help achieve long-term systems change by signing up for our Policy Update emails. Policy Update emails are sent every other week during the legislative session, starting January 30.
Session Dates: January 14 – May 19, 2025

Day at the Capitol
Join WFM’s Young Women’s Cabinet members for a Day at the Capitol to learn more about their policy agenda and support them as they advocate and build their leadership. Hear about WFM’s policy agenda, meet with your own representatives, and advocate for the future you want to see in Minnesota.
Date: Monday, February 17, 2025
Time: 10 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Location: Minnesota State Capitol, 75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Saint Paul, MN

Building Black Futures: Feb. 26
Join WFM and BMO for a virtual webinar in celebration of Black History Month. Our dynamic panelists, Dr. Terresa Moses and Dionne Sims, will share their experiences and insights on economic justice and entrepreneurship, including transitioning ownership of Black Garnet Books. Together, we’ll explore how investing in local Black entrepreneurs drives community transformation and economic empowerment. The event includes a live Q&A session so attendees can engage directly with the conversation.
Date: Wednesday, February 26, 2025
Time: Noon – 1 p.m. (CST)
Location: Via Zoom

Donate to Support Women, Girls & Gender-Expansive People Across MN
Did you know that as a community foundation (unlike a private foundation), WFM raises its funds from people in the community like you? Help support our research, advocacy, and investment across Minnesota by giving generously toward the future you want to see. We serve people and nonprofits across Minnesota, so consider setting up a recurring donation of $87/month to represent the 87 counties that make up our great state — any amount helps!