January Newsletter | 2020

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SECO News                 January 2020 Battle Creek | Conway  | Eastview | Highwood Hills New Year, New Logo, New Look! Thank you to everyone who weighed in on our name and logo. This project has been in the works for many years, and we are pleased to have finally come to a decision. We believe the new logo incorporates the beautiful natural environment of our community. We will continue to update the look of our materials and website for the new few months. Thank you! Thank you! Thank ewe! Welcome to a new year! We hope most of your received a copy of our December community mailing. That letter included highlights of our work in 2019, and snippets of previous and upcoming news. Thank you to the many neighbors who contributed to our organization! Your support helps us provide more engagement and services for our community.  If you didn't get a chance to send in a donation, you may still do so. Please donate by mailing a check directly to our office, 2105 1/2 Old Hudson Rd, St. Paul, MN  55119 or by contributing via GiveMN.  We also welcome volunteers for our work. Contact us with questions! Are you Qualified to be on the Board of Directors? Do you live within the boundaries of McKnight Road, Minnehaha Avenue, Highway 61 and the Mississippi River? Do you care about your neighbors? Would you like to make our community better for all who live here? If you answered yes to any or all of these - YOU are qualified! >> We have a current opening for a position that runs through March of 2021. >> We have openings for for at least five other board members at upcoming elections in March of 2020. Terms are for two years.   Board members help decide on organizational projects, monitor the budget and participate in programs and activities. Members can be age 16 and up. We welcome residents and business owners or employees who reside or work in our community. There is a priority for Conway and Eastview neighborhoods because we need more representation from these areas, but all are welcome to apply! Applications will be reviewed and approved by the current board of directors. Annual elections are in March! Got questions? Contact us to meet or talk!   Follow this link to complete the online application.     Community Gathering on Eastside Violence & a Discussion on Cultivating Peace   Join us for a gathering to learn about police findings on the eastside shootings. As a group we’ll talk about how we can support peace, and ensure the safety of our young people.   Tuesday, January 14 6:00-8:00 pm Progressive Baptist Church 1505 Burns Ave, St Paul, MN 55106   Hosted by: City of St. Paul Ward 7, Councilmember Jane Prince Progressive Baptist Church St. Paul Police Department Gang Unit Twin Cities Academy Racial Justice Club Southeast Community Organization   Viewing and Discussion Jim Crow of the North Jim Crow of the North is a documentary that charts the progression of racist policies and practices from the advent of restrictive covenants after the turn of the last century to their final elimination in the late 1960s. Join us for a viewing and discussion about the history and impact of redlining and racism in our communities.  Friday, February 7 7:00-9:00 pm Progressive Baptist Church 1505 Burns Ave, St Paul, MN 55106 Presented in partnership with TPT and Mapping Prejudice.   Support Darul Iman Mosque Darul Iman Mosque, located in our community, was vandalized in the early morning of Saturday December 21, 2019. Members are seeking support to fix damages including doors and walls and other items that were destroyed and install new cameras. Hate is not welcome in our community. You may click here to donate.     Winter/Spring Youth Organizers Wanted We are seeking young people between the ages of 12-18 who are interested in learning about how city governance works, and how they can make a difference in their community. There are twelve meetings, and youth work on an issue that is important to them. Contact Shaquonna for more information or call our office at 651/578-7600!   The Importance of the Census Did you know that Minnesota is at risk of losing one of our U.S. Representatives? Our national representatives advocate for us in Washington. We currently have eight, and may be reduced to seven if we don't ensure that all Minnesotans complete the census. An inaccurate count will affect our representation and federal funding. By April 1, 2020, every home will receive an invitation to participate in the 2020 Census. Once the invitation arrives, you should respond for your home in one of three ways: online, by phone, or by mail. Please speak with family, friends and neighbors and remind them all to fill out their census. If you need information to share with others or want to help us spread the word, please contact our office. Census takers are also desperately needed. Follow this link to explore jobs and apply. Upcoming Meetings and Events Land Use Committee: Jan 6 & Feb 3, 6:00-7:30 pm (SECO Ofc) Communications Committee: Jan 13 & Feb 10, 6:00-7:30 pm  (SECO Ofc) Board Meeting, Jan 27, 6:30-8:30, Battle Creek Rec Save the Dates! Annual Meetings and Elections Saturday, Mar 21, 10:00 am-1:00 pm Monday, Mar 23, 5:00-8:00 pm   Submit ideas and events to betsy@southeastside.org.