Mission Statement for UMN Solidarity

UMN Solidarity is a network of students, workers, and community members dedicated to fostering democratic control of work, community, education, and all University resources. We organize under the following pillars: Dialogue Learning from groups, individuals, and each other about our struggles and how we can support one another. Education Connecting with people in the University [...]

Reflections on an Open Occupation for Movement-Building

Within, against, and beyond the U of Minnesota by RENE G. – umnsolidarity@gmail.com Finding Each Other Wisconsin students called for a nationwide student walkout on March 11th, 2011, at 2pm, to stand in solidarity with their teachers and other workers who are under attack, being stripped of their collective bargaining rights.  Finding their call through [...]

UK Interview with the Occupiers, Pre-eviction

Check out this “UK Exclusive Interview: UMN Solidarity Occupation” from The New Current.  It was conducted in the midst of the occupation, just before the occupiers were evicted on Thursday night. Post-eviction, we are continuing to develop our movement, building on the many relationships formed during the occupation.  To learn more, show your support, or [...]

Reflection: An Empowering, Educational, and Fun Experience.

The occupation empowered me in ways I have never felt before, helped me meet and befriend many radical/progressive minded people I may have never seen before, and helped me learn many skills to use in future struggles and organizing.  Like what Hallie said on Wednesday, “I had always thought the University was full of apathetic [...]

Seizing Power from Below – My Reflections on the SocSci Occupation

What a full week! I wish something like the occupation of the Social Sciences Tower, and all the accompanying organizing, had happened a few years ago when I was a student at the U of M. Some would say that after two years I dropped out, but I say I rose out of the university, [...]

Statement of Solidarity with Public Workers of Wisconsin

We, the members of University of Minnesota Solidarity, extend our solidarity to the public workers of Wisconsin.  We support the protests that you have done, and the protests that are to come against pending legislation attacking the collective bargaining agreements of public workers in all areas except for wages.  Currently, the bill has been rejected [...]

Reflections on the Eviction from an Occupier

I was out running errands with other occupiers when the building officially closed at 11, and was not planning to return until after midnight. The cops had come at the usual time to take our ID, and had given no indication that they would kick us out, so I thought I would be staying another [...]

Statement of Solidarity with Public Workers of Ohio

We, the members of University of Minnesota Solidarity, extend our solidarity to the public workers Ohio.  We support the protests that you have done, and the protests that are to come against pending legislation attacking the collective bargaining agreements of public workers in all areas except for wages.  Yesterday, the legislation was signed and enacted by the [...]

Update: The struggle evolves

After meeting Friday afternoon, here’s what’s up with UMN Solidarity. We’ve chosen to continue to build and to organize, but not to stay around the clock at the Social Sciences tower.  We do plan to be at the social sciences tower in the afternoons next week.  This will include an information table, organizing meetings at [...]

UMPD kicks us out (for now), threatens arrests and confiscation of belongings

Statement Regarding Demonstration in Social Sciences Building March 31,2011 The University acknowledges and reaffirms your right to petition, peacefully, and in an orderly manner, all levels of the University. But the University also affirms that the functions of the facilities and business in the Social Sciences Building must remain free from disturbance or delay. This [...]