Brief TEDx Video - Empowering U

Click on the headline above to reach our full News Blog and a short TEDx talk video on Empowering U --  TEDx Video  --  in which Tom Vellenga makes the case for robust civic empowerment programs such as ours.  The Blandin Foundation sponsored a conference -- Expanding Opportunity:  Economy, Education, and Inclusion -- using the TEDx format.  Listen to Tom describe critical challenges to our democracy, our response, and the crucial benefits to our people, our communities, and our economy.  Spread the word to others!  Make a tax-deductible donation now to help scale up Empowering U to serve more people through our host and partner organizations. 

May 18 Forum: Developing Coherent Public Values

On Wednesday, May 18, the First Universalist Church in South Minneapolis will host a public forum on the values in our Framework for Governing, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.  The Framework for Governing is a collaboration of half a dozen progressive groups and collaborations, initiated and coordinated by Heartland Democracy to serve the state of Minnesota.  It includes policy proposals spanning a wide range of public issues as well as a set of values common to all the initiatives.  A "Values Framework" within the larger Framework for Governing identifies the values running throughout the Framework and makes the case for a coherent progressive approach to governing based upon those shared values.  By identifying the relationship of the principles and concepts that drive progressive ideas across a range of issues, we hope to serve progressives in every sphere as they solve public problems and communicate their approach.  At the Forum,  panelists representing a range of progressive groups and constituencies will speak briefly to the sources of their public values, particularly as they relate to spirituality and the Framework for Governing.  Following their very brief remarks, Phyllis Stenerson, a Fellow of Heartland Democracy and the founder and writer for ProgressiveValues.Org, will moderate a discussion with the audience.   Watch this space for information on the panelists.  First Universalist Church is located at 34th Street and Dupont Avenue in South Minneapolis.

See Casino Jack Friday, December 3, 7:00

Tonight, Friday, Dec. 3, at 7:00 join a special screening of Casino Jack and the United States of Money, the story of criminal lobbyist Jack Abramoff.   Following the screening, stay for a discussion with whistleblower Tom Rodgers.  WHERE: Cowles Auditorium in the Humphrey Institute at the University of Minnesota (301 Nineteenth Avenue South, Minneapolis, just north of Riverside Ave.)  Common Cause of Minnesota is co-sponsoring the film.  This is what Mike Dean of Common Cause had to say:  "The film shows how the corruptive role of money in politics is fundamentally undermining our basic principles of democracy."   Our current system of funding campaigns allows Big Money from companies, wealthy individuals, and front groups to spend billions of dollars to gain access to decision-makers in government. The documentary  demonstrates the real consequences of this system.  It helps make clear why the United States of America needs and deserves a truly open and transparent government, as our founders envsisioned.  Look for the film's release, and, as always, "Tell Your Friends!"

Check Our New Razoo.com Page

Is Razoo new to you?  It's a website that provides a free service, allowing donor-activists to create their own online pages to manage their donations and track their favorite groups.  One can "follow" groups on one's own donor page, make comments, and check out the latest project descriptions offered by organizations.  Razoo hosts charitable groups as well as donors.  Heartland Democracy has posted its latest project descriptions on the site.  The site affords groups the ability to summarize their work in brief, accessible ways.  One can also encourage friends to visit the site.  See for yourself at Razoo.com/Heartland Democracy, and...tell your friends!