Find and sign up for additional volunteer efforts!
Democracy Thursdays
Standing Thursday afternoon rally downtown. These events are informal and will now always be 4:30 - 6:00 on Thursdays on Broadway, near the corner of 6th St SW. Although the DFL is promoting this rally, these issues are nonpartisan and everyone who wants to protect our democracy is welcome to join us. Show up for part or all of the event, it doesn’t matter. Bring the issues that matter most to you, and stand with your community in solidarity. We need every voice. If you are new to protests, this is a great way to start. We will have extra signs for those of you who don’t have one. Do not underestimate how much this matters. Almost all of the cars driving by honk in encouragement, and it lifts spirits to see people standing bravely and speaking out. The more people out there, the louder the message. If you can’t protest with us, please drive by and make some noise in your car!!
As Rep McBride wisely said recently on Pod Save America; 'If everyone has just a little bit of courage, then no one has to be a hero"
Let’s get after it, Rochester!
Sign-up/questions: no registration is required, contact olmsted2024dfl@gmail.com with questions.
(Please note that we are moving the sign making support to Tuesday afternoons 4-6 so that more people can join after work. Check out our Tuesday event above)
DFL Listening Tour
Join us on the DFL Listening Tour with our new DFL Chair, Richard Carlbom. The listening tour is a family-friendly event.
Building a lasting majority that can win and deliver for Minnesotans requires us to expand our coalition, and win over new voters - including in areas like Rochester.
So we’re showing up in every corner of this state to hear from YOU. We want to hear from you how the DFL can do a better job showing up in communities across this state, and we want to know what issues matter to you.
Letter Writing and Issues Training Workshop
Join the Olmsted DFLs for our letter-writing and issues-training workshops. The purpose of these workshops is to familiarize participants with current topics affecting the local community as well as the most effective ways to respond. These are informal, drop-in events and will take about 15-30 min of your time. Come by the office anytime between 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm on Tuesdays to take part in the workshop and leave empowered to support the causes that matter most to you!
*Note that this is held concurrently with the Design a Sign Workshop, so feel free to join both!
Design a Sign with the DFL
Want help making a protest sign? Or just want some good company and a place to discuss the issues of the day? Head over to the DFL offices on Tuesday afternoons from 4:00 to 6:00 PM. We will have sign making materials, help with bold and readable sign designs, and a projector for tracing for the artistically challenged! Bring your ideas, bring extra materials to share, and let’s carve out a little joy together while we make our creative messages. Joy is an act of resistance - and so is protest.
Do you have a creative streak and want to volunteer to help out on Tuesday afternoons? Contact us at olmsted2024dfl@gmail.com and get signed up!
Democracy Thursdays
Standing Thursday afternoon rally downtown. These events are informal and will now always be 4:30 - 6:00 on Thursdays on Broadway, near the corner of 6th St SW. Although the DFL is promoting this rally, these issues are nonpartisan and everyone who wants to protect our democracy is welcome to join us. Show up for part or all of the event, it doesn’t matter. Bring the issues that matter most to you, and stand with your community in solidarity. We need every voice. If you are new to protests, this is a great way to start. We will have extra signs for those of you who don’t have one. Do not underestimate how much this matters. Almost all of the cars driving by honk in encouragement, and it lifts spirits to see people standing bravely and speaking out. The more people out there, the louder the message. If you can’t protest with us, please drive by and make some noise in your car!!
As Rep McBride wisely said recently on Pod Save America; 'If everyone has just a little bit of courage, then no one has to be a hero"
Let’s get after it, Rochester!
Sign-up/questions: no registration is required, contact olmsted2024dfl@gmail.com with questions.
(Please note that we are moving the sign making support to Tuesday afternoons 4-6 so that more people can join after work. Check out our Tuesday event above)
DFL Policy Panel - Veterans’ Issues
Join the DFLs of Olmsted County for our monthly community policy panel. Our May panel will be focused on many pressing issues faced by veterans.
Olmsted SD 20/24 Central Committee Meeting
Monthly meeting of SD 20/24 unit leaders to discuss strategy, community and voter outreach, resources, upcoming events, and everything else that helps drive our local Democratic efforts forward. Whether you're interested in a leadership role, volunteering for events, or just sharing your ideas, we’d love to have you involved! If you would like to get on the agenda, please message us.
DFL Senior Caucus Chapter Meeting
The DFL Senior Caucus mission is to involve seniors throughout Minnesota in the political process, to provide a vehicle for their active participation in the DFL party, and to promote programs and legislation that protect and enhance the lives of seniors.
Juneteenth celebration
The Rochester Branch of the NAACP invites the community to join us for the 20th Annual Juneteenth Celebration on Saturday, June 14th 12 PM - 5 PM at the Reverend Dr. Martin LutherKing,Jr. Park.
The Rochester Branch of the NAACP and Rochester Juneteenth Celebration, Inc, has been hosting Juneteenth since 2005. Join us for a fantastic fun filled family event with the community, sponsors, and community collaborators.
DFL Policy Panel (TBD)
Standing time for public policy forum hosted by SD 20/24 and SD25 DFL units. Open to public. Topics and locations to be announced when finalized. If there is a topic you wish to have discussed, please contact us.
Unit meeting
Monthly meeting of SD 20/24 unit leaders to discuss strategy, community and voter outreach, resources, upcoming events, and everything else that helps drive our local Democratic efforts forward. Whether you're interested in a leadership role, volunteering for events, or just sharing your ideas, we’d love to have you involved! If you would like to get on the agenda, please message us.
DFL Senior Caucus Chapter Meeting
The DFL Senior Caucus mission is to involve seniors throughout Minnesota in the political process, to provide a vehicle for their active participation in the DFL party, and to promote programs and legislation that protect and enhance the lives of seniors.
DFL Policy Panel (TBD)
Standing time for public policy forum hosted by SD 20/24 and SD25 DFL units. Open to public. Topics and locations to be announced when finalized. If there is a topic you wish to have discussed, please contact us.
DFL Senior Caucus Chapter Meeting
The DFL Senior Caucus mission is to involve seniors throughout Minnesota in the political process, to provide a vehicle for their active participation in the DFL party, and to promote programs and legislation that protect and enhance the lives of seniors.
DFL Senior Caucus Chapter Meeting
The DFL Senior Caucus mission is to involve seniors throughout Minnesota in the political process, to provide a vehicle for their active participation in the DFL party, and to promote programs and legislation that protect and enhance the lives of seniors.
DFL Senior Caucus Chapter Meeting
The DFL Senior Caucus mission is to involve seniors throughout Minnesota in the political process, to provide a vehicle for their active participation in the DFL party, and to promote programs and legislation that protect and enhance the lives of seniors.
Letter Writing and Issues Training Workshop
Join the Olmsted DFLs for our letter-writing and issues-training workshops. The purpose of these workshops is to familiarize participants with current topics affecting the local community as well as the most effective ways to respond. These are informal, drop-in events and will take about 15-30 min of your time. Come by the office anytime between 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm on Tuesdays to take part in the workshop and leave empowered to support the causes that matter most to you!
*Note that this is held concurrently with the Design a Sign Workshop, so feel free to join both!
Design a Sign with the DFL
Want help making a protest sign? Or just want some good company and a place to discuss the issues of the day? Head over to the DFL offices on Tuesday afternoons from 4:00 to 6:00 PM. We will have sign making materials, help with bold and readable sign designs, and a projector for tracing for the artistically challenged! Bring your ideas, bring extra materials to share, and let’s carve out a little joy together while we make our creative messages. Joy is an act of resistance - and so is protest.
Do you have a creative streak and want to volunteer to help out on Tuesday afternoons? Contact us at olmsted2024dfl@gmail.com and get signed up!
Democracy Thursdays
Standing Thursday afternoon rally downtown. These events are informal and will now always be 4:30 - 6:00 on Thursdays on Broadway, near the corner of 6th St SW. Although the DFL is promoting this rally, these issues are nonpartisan and everyone who wants to protect our democracy is welcome to join us. Show up for part or all of the event, it doesn’t matter. Bring the issues that matter most to you, and stand with your community in solidarity. We need every voice. If you are new to protests, this is a great way to start. We will have extra signs for those of you who don’t have one. Do not underestimate how much this matters. Almost all of the cars driving by honk in encouragement, and it lifts spirits to see people standing bravely and speaking out. The more people out there, the louder the message. If you can’t protest with us, please drive by and make some noise in your car!!
As Rep McBride wisely said recently on Pod Save America; 'If everyone has just a little bit of courage, then no one has to be a hero"
Let’s get after it, Rochester!
Sign-up/questions: no registration is required, contact olmsted2024dfl@gmail.com with questions.
(Please note that we are moving the sign making support to Tuesday afternoons 4-6 so that more people can join after work. Check out our Tuesday event above)
Design a Sign with the DFL
Want help making a protest sign? Or just want some good company and a place to discuss the issues of the day? Head over to the DFL offices on Tuesday afternoons from 4:00 to 6:00 PM. We will have sign making materials, help with bold and readable sign designs, and a projector for tracing for the artistically challenged! Bring your ideas, bring extra materials to share, and let’s carve out a little joy together while we make our creative messages. Joy is an act of resistance - and so is protest.
Do you have a creative streak and want to volunteer to help out on Tuesday afternoons? Contact us at olmsted2024dfl@gmail.com and get signed up!
Letter Writing and Issues Training Workshop
Join the Olmsted DFLs for our letter-writing and issues-training workshops. The purpose of these workshops is to familiarize participants with current topics affecting the local community as well as the most effective ways to respond. These are informal, drop-in events and will take about 15-30 min of your time. Come by the office anytime between 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm on Tuesdays to take part in the workshop and leave empowered to support the causes that matter most to you!
*Note that this is held concurrently with the Design a Sign Workshop, so feel free to join both!
DFL Senior Caucus Chapter Meeting
The DFL Senior Caucus mission is to involve seniors throughout Minnesota in the political process, to provide a vehicle for their active participation in the DFL party, and to promote programs and legislation that protect and enhance the lives of seniors.
Democracy Thursdays
Standing Thursday afternoon rally downtown. These events are informal and will now always be 4:30 - 6:00 on Thursdays on Broadway, near the corner of 6th St SW. Although the DFL is promoting this rally, these issues are nonpartisan and everyone who wants to protect our democracy is welcome to join us. Show up for part or all of the event, it doesn’t matter. Bring the issues that matter most to you, and stand with your community in solidarity. We need every voice. If you are new to protests, this is a great way to start. We will have extra signs for those of you who don’t have one. Do not underestimate how much this matters. Almost all of the cars driving by honk in encouragement, and it lifts spirits to see people standing bravely and speaking out. The more people out there, the louder the message. If you can’t protest with us, please drive by and make some noise in your car!!
As Rep McBride wisely said recently on Pod Save America; 'If everyone has just a little bit of courage, then no one has to be a hero"
Let’s get after it, Rochester!
Sign-up/questions: no registration is required, contact olmsted2024dfl@gmail.com with questions.
(Please note that we are moving the sign making support to Tuesday afternoons 4-6 so that more people can join after work. Check out our Tuesday event above)
Letter Writing and Issues Training Workshop
Join the Olmsted DFLs for our letter-writing and issues-training workshops. The purpose of these workshops is to familiarize participants with current topics affecting the local community as well as the most effective ways to respond. These are informal, drop-in events and will take about 15-30 min of your time. Come by the office anytime between 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm on Tuesdays to take part in the workshop and leave empowered to support the causes that matter most to you!
*Note that this is held concurrently with the Design a Sign Workshop, so feel free to join both!
Design a Sign with the DFL
Want help making a protest sign? Or just want some good company and a place to discuss the issues of the day? Head over to the DFL offices on Tuesday afternoons from 4:00 to 6:00 PM. We will have sign making materials, help with bold and readable sign designs, and a projector for tracing for the artistically challenged! Bring your ideas, bring extra materials to share, and let’s carve out a little joy together while we make our creative messages. Joy is an act of resistance - and so is protest.
Do you have a creative streak and want to volunteer to help out on Tuesday afternoons? Contact us at olmsted2024dfl@gmail.com and get signed up!
Town Hall - From Paychecks to Heathcare
Sponsors: State Senator Liz Boldon and State Representatives Kim Hicks, Tina Liebling, and Andy Smith
Details: Join us for a town hall to hear from your elected representatives (and them from you!) details on how federal cuts and actions are hurting families, and what WE CAN DO to protect Minnesotans!
Sign up: HERE
EarthFest Expo 2025
Save the Date for EarthFest Expo 2025!
Educational Classes will include:
• 30+ Sustainability Exhibitors
• Keynote: To Be Announced!
• Electric Vehicle Car Show
• Activities for All Ages
• Games
• Food Trucks
• Live Music
Check https://www.earthfestrochestermn.org/11th-annual-earthfest-expo/ for more information.
MAY DAY STRONG RALLY- National Day of Action
We're coming together at Soldier’s Field in Rochester, MN to demand justice, equity, and dignity for all workers. We will rally for a better future with our community, local unions and community support organizations. We will have musicians, local speakers, and a march down Broadway. Bring your best signs and all of your friends and family. Every single American that is concerned about the direction our country is headed needs to stand up and be counted! WE are the MANY, and TOGETHER we are STRONG!!
Design a Sign with the DFL
Want help making a protest sign? Or just want some good company and a place to discuss the issues of the day? Head over to the DFL offices on Tuesday afternoons from 4:00 to 6:00 PM. We will have sign making materials, help with bold and readable sign designs, and a projector for tracing for the artistically challenged! Bring your ideas, bring extra materials to share, and let’s carve out a little joy together while we make our creative messages. Joy is an act of resistance - and so is protest.
Do you have a creative streak and want to volunteer to help out on Tuesday afternoons? Contact us at olmsted2024dfl@gmail.com and get signed up!
Letter Writing and Issues Training Workshop
Join the Olmsted DFLs for our letter-writing and issues-training workshops. The purpose of these workshops is to familiarize participants with current topics affecting the local community as well as the most effective ways to respond. These are informal, drop-in events and will take about 15-30 min of your time. Come by the office anytime between 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm on Tuesdays to take part in the workshop and leave empowered to support the causes that matter most to you!
*Note that this is held concurrently with the Design a Sign Workshop, so feel free to join both!
DFL Policy Panel: Water and the Environment - Issues in our Backyard and State
JOIN US FOR OUR APRIL DFL POLICY PANEL
In honor of Earth Day, our Panel will cover WATER and the ENVIRONMENT and issues in our backyard and State.
Democracy Thursdays
Standing Thursday afternoon rally downtown. These events are informal and will now always be 4:30 - 6:00 on Thursdays on Broadway, near the corner of 6th St SW. Although the DFL is promoting this rally, these issues are nonpartisan and everyone who wants to protect our democracy is welcome to join us. Show up for part or all of the event, it doesn’t matter. Bring the issues that matter most to you, and stand with your community in solidarity. We need every voice. If you are new to protests, this is a great way to start. We will have extra signs for those of you who don’t have one. Do not underestimate how much this matters. Almost all of the cars driving by honk in encouragement, and it lifts spirits to see people standing bravely and speaking out. The more people out there, the louder the message. If you can’t protest with us, please drive by and make some noise in your car!!
As Rep McBride wisely said recently on Pod Save America; 'If everyone has just a little bit of courage, then no one has to be a hero"
Let’s get after it, Rochester!
Sign-up/questions: no registration is required, contact olmsted2024dfl@gmail.com with questions.
(Please note that we are moving the sign making support to Tuesday afternoons 4-6 so that more people can join after work. Check out our Tuesday event above)
State of the State Address
Details: Governor Walz will deliver formal remarks and updates on Minnesota issues to a joint session of the Minnesota Legislature
Live streamed here: HTV1 - YouTube
Design a Sign with the DFL
Want help making a protest sign? Or just want some good company and a place to discuss the issues of the day? Head over to the DFL offices on Tuesday afternoons from 4:00 to 6:00 PM. We will have sign making materials, help with bold and readable sign designs, and a projector for tracing for the artistically challenged! Bring your ideas, bring extra materials to share, and let’s carve out a little joy together while we make our creative messages. Joy is an act of resistance - and so is protest.
Do you have a creative streak and want to volunteer to help out on Tuesday afternoons? Contact us at olmsted2024dfl@gmail.com and get signed up!
Meet Jake Johnson, candidate for US House, District 1
We are pleased to introduce Jake Johnson, who is running for Congress to take on Brad Finstad! He will host a meet and greet on Saturday morning, where he looks forward to meeting you and hearing about what matters to you!
Time: 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM* Saturday, April 19th
*Jake will be chatting with constituents throughout the event, and will give brief remarks to the group at 11AM.
Location: Mayo High School Cafeteria, 1420 11th Avenue SE, Rochester
More about Jake: Jake Johnson, a math teacher at Mayo High School, will be launching a campaign for Congress this Thursday. Jake is running because he knows firsthand how Brad Finstad is making life worse for the people of southern Minnesota. Jake grew up poor in Stewartville, where he could never take food, clothes, or housing for granted. Because his family received nutrition and veterans benefits from the government, Jake had the chance to work hard, secure a union job, and build a better life. For the past 19 years, Jake has been paying it forward as a teacher, so that the next generation can achieve the American Dream just like he did. While politicians in Washington are slashing Social Security, Medicaid, and the Department of Education — all to pay for tax breaks for billionaires — Jake is running for Congress to give working families a fair shot at leading their lives with dignity and opportunity. You can support his campaign ahead of the launch by donating here: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/jake-johnson
*Please note that DFL endorsements for this race will not be made until the CD1 convention in May of 2026.
Unit meeting
Monthly meeting of SD 20/24 unit leaders to discuss strategy, community and voter outreach, resources, upcoming events, and everything else that helps drive our local Democratic efforts forward. Whether you're interested in a leadership role, volunteering for events, or just sharing your ideas, we’d love to have you involved! If you would like to get on the agenda, please message us.
DFL State Officer Candidate Forum and Chili Cook-off
Want to have a voice in the future of our party? Join this Candidate Forum to ask questions of the people running for the DFL State Party Chair, Vice-Chairs, Secretary, Treasurer and Outreach and Inclusion Officer. Talk to your representatives on the State Central Committee and voice your opinions on the candidates.
Location: IBEW Local 343, 9 80th St SE, Rochester, MN 55904
Date: Saturday, March 22, 2025
Candidate Forum (FREE to Attend)
2:00 PM - 2:30 PM: Check-in & informal networking
2:30 PM - 4:00 PM: Candidate Forum
Opening remarks (2-minute intros per candidate)
Prearranged questions (sent to candidates in advance)
Audience Q&A – Come prepared with your questions!
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: One-on-one discussions with SCC Members & Alternates
Registration: Let us know if you're attending here → RSVP Form
Chili Cook-Off & Silent Auction
5:00 PM - 8:00 PM – Stick around for a fun evening of chili tasting, community building, and friendly competition!
Entry Fee:
$10 per person | $20 per family
FREE with a chili entry! (Fee collected on-site)
Want to enter a chili? Sign up here → Chili Sign-Up
Accessibility Information: The venue meets ADA standards with accessible restrooms, flat ground, wide doorways, and dedicated seating & parking.
Spread the word! This event is open to delegates, alternates, party leaders, and all members of the public.
Community Town Hall with Gov. Walz
Folks are sick of Trump’s agenda hurting everyone from farmers to teachers to veterans. And even if your Republican congressman doesn't want to listen, they're going to hear from us anyway.
Join Governor Walz this Saturday in Rochester for a town hall where we give the megaphone back to the people, listen to your frustration, and discuss how Democrats can offer a better future.
Location available upon sign-up. Doors open at 9:30AM. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the conversation!
Protecting Minnesota - Community Forum w/ Attorney General Keith Ellison
You’re invited to join Attorney General Keith Ellison for a series of community forums to discuss his work to protect the rights and freedoms of the people of Minnesota.
At these forums, you will hear from Attorney General Ellison about what he’s doing to defend Minnesotans from federal attacks on citizenship, privacy, funding, immigrants, LGBTQ+ people, abortion rights, and more — and what you can do to stand up for your community as well. You will also be able to share your story, pass along your concerns for the future, or just learn from others in your community.
Caucus Building - Organizing around key community issues
Following our recent panel discussions, it is clear that there is an acute need to continue the conversation and take action on critical issues. This event will provide a space for community members to organize around issues like immigration, healthcare, workers rights, economic concerns, and more. It's an opportunity to plan how we can work together to address these challenges, whether through rallies, letters, or other forms of advocacy. Your participation will be vital as we lay the groundwork for future action.
This will not look like a traditional DFL meeting, instead we will form a Caucus around issues that are facing our community today. You’ll choose a group, discuss organizing strategies, and determine what support is needed from the DFL. No RSVP is required. Please join us!
Community Conversation with Peggy Flanagan
Join your neighbors for a community conversation in Rochester with Lt. Governor and U.S. Senate candidate Peggy Flanagan!
Peggy knows that families have a lot to talk about around their kitchen tables these days, and she wants to hear about the problems you and your neighbors are facing. She's ready to listen, help find real solutions, and make Washington work for Minnesotans.
RSVP via Mobilize for location details and bring a friend!
https://www.mobilize.us/peggyflanaganformin.../event/762246/
Unit Meeting - Open call for leadership
We are calling on you to get involved. Our local Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party unit is looking for leaders, organizers, volunteers, and fresh ideas to help us build real power in our community. Many people contact us wanting to join something being done to oppose what's happening, but we, who are all volunteers, are somewhat overwhelmed and need more people who can organize demonstrations, efforts to contact voters, programs, and campaigns to get our message out. If you can help, now is the time to step up.
We have a meeting the evening of on Thursday, March 6th, where we can elect individuals to fill several open leadership positions, including:
· Vice-Chair (female or non-binary)
· Communications Officer
· Outreach and Inclusion Officer
· Data and Technology Officer
· Director Positions (4)
· One Member (male) to the State Central Committee
· Alternates to the State Central Committee (3)
Our unit meets once a month to discuss strategy, community and voter outreach, resources, upcoming events, and everything else that helps drive our local Democratic efforts forward. Whether you're interested in a leadership role, volunteering for events, or just sharing your ideas, we’d love to have you involved!
If you’re ready to step up or want to learn more, please reply to this email or join us at our March 6th meeting at 7 PM at the Rochester DFL Office (1500 1st Ave NE, Suite A.) Together, we can make a real impact in our community!
Common Cause - Community Town Hall
We know how critical it is that our communities have responsive representation. On March 1st at 11:30 am state legislators will join us in community for a townhall hall-style discussion on what they’re doing to improve your everyday life! It's critical to the health of our democracy that constituents have direct conversations with their legislators without having to go to the Capitol in St. Paul or reach out via phone or email. It's time to bring policy conversations to those who matter most: the people!
During the townhall we'll discuss:
Economic Development
Healthcare
Housing
Democracy
Workforce
Please note: This is a private event to ensure the safety of our attendees. RSVP at Action Network site.
We have a virtual option available! Please email erage@commoncause.org for more information!
Nationwide Economic Blackout
💰 HIT THEM IN THEIR PROFITS 💰
On February 28th, we’re taking a stand the best way they understand—by shutting down our spending for 24 hours. No shopping. No dining out. No online orders. No unnecessary transactions.
🛑 For One Day, Keep Your Money in Your Pocket! 🛑
Indivisible Protest - Finstad's office
Gathering organized by Indivisible, Rochester area group at Brad Finstad’s Rochester office to remind him who he works for. We have questions and MANY concerns. He needs to be held accountable!
The group will meet shortly before 12 at Mr. Pizza North parking lot:
4040 28th St NW
Rochester, MN 55901