It began as nine organizations thinking together about how to strengthen our capacity to move forward policies that advance equity across our city. It moved into hundreds of conversations across our city where people began to imagine what a new vision for Duluth could be. It’s about working together, across organizations and with individuals, to address disparities by moving equitable solutions at
a city level. Vision Duluth is rooted in the belief that together we are stronger, solutions must be shaped by those living experiences of injustice, and that we do so by being in deep, accountable, and transformative relationships with our elected officials. Here’s a little teaser of what we heard about the city people want:
-Jobs that pay living wages with benefits and transportation to get to jobs.
-Housing that is affordable and accessible for all.
-Resources and consideration of needs that are spread equitably from West to East Duluth.
-Safe & free recreation activities for youth, where our urban green spaces are protected and our elected officials work with all people to implement good policy. The barriers that stand in the way are racism, lack of focus on affordable housing with too much focus on market rate housing development, low wage jobs without benefits, gap in transportation between jobs and housing, geographic divide, drugs and violence. How we get to the city we want is by working together as individuals and organizations, with genuinely bold and progressive elected officials, who work with those impacted by decisions, to tackle issues through policy solutions. To move beyond talking points to what will make life easier for people. We currently have ten partner organizations:
AFSCME
AICHO
CHUM
Community Action Duluth
Education Minnesota
North East Area Labor Council
PAVSA
SOAR Career Solutions
TakeAction Minnesota
YWCA
Vision Duluth Guiding Principles:
We are Vision Duluth. No one person is leading this work and the right people are at the table. We work to build genuine power and get things done through direct action. This is about our community and nothing less than giving our best. We're going to learn together--- how to move together, fail together, get back on our feet together and win together. We build from what we have, bring help in when needed, adapt and figure things out. It doesn't have to be perfect, but we strive for our work to feel good and solid. It will get messy. We acknowledge tension when we feel tension present, knowing nothing is a waste of time. Our differences are what we value and what will move our work forward. We are the ones who will make this come alive, so we have to be alive---we intend to bring the joy. We plan to laugh, make the hard things fun and fully celebrate. Our commitment is to one another as much as it is to our community. This is about building each other up and we know our table will grow. Don't be afraid to say what's on your mind or in your heart; we're not here to judge but to challenge ourselves to create a community we know is possible. Bring your power, voice and love of people and let's work together to make this happen.
