So, after weeks and weeks of calls, meetings, negotiations, research, mailings, and brainstorming, the big event — having the Cell in St Paul at the Republican National Convention — is almost here. I went to school in the Twin Cities (Go Gophers!), but it still seems surreal. Billboards up, thousands of handbills distributed, ads on the radio and in the paper. I have maps of various marches, street closures, and protest sites; permits and certificates of insurance; loads of things in orange. Estimates are 30,000 to 50,000 protesters will be at the Convention, in addition to the delegates, guests, journalists, lobbyists, and of course the residents of St. Paul! I am very hopeful that our “1 1/2 tons of orange momentum” as it’s been dubbed stands out in the crowd!
In any large event like this, so much is beyond our control and so much comes together at the last minute. The picture of who/what/when/where is constantly shfiting and will continue to evolve. It’s hard to imagine how it will all unfold. Fortunately, our activists and volunteers in the Twin Cities have been great at pitching in and making things happen on the ground! Big kudos all around!
I had the chance to talk with people who worked with the Cell in Denver at the Democratic National Convention — amazing numbers of people interested and engaged around the human rights issues the Cell represents. I can’t wait to see and meet with folks in St Paul — I know I can count on my fellow Midwesterners and those visiting St Paul to be even more passionate!
See you soon,
DD
