When we kicked off SDRU on July 1st, we envisioned a large, diverse gathering of people coming together around dinner with the intention of launching new, radical initiatives to address community needs. After a strong start, however, momentum in the park dwindled day after day, leaving us scrambling to provide dinner and low on energy to push above and beyond the bare minimum of what we’d set out to do.

Despite the ways in which the model we experimented with fell short of our dreams, we’re not ending this convergence with a sense of failure. In order to achieve radical change, we must constantly push ourselves to try new things and integrate new people into our organizing networks. Over the past two weeks, we’ve made some significant accomplishments. We created a political pamphlet offering a valuable analysis of the shutdown and budget process in the context of the capitalist system, along with a beautiful poster that’s visible all over South Minneapolis. We distributed several thousand copies to people across the Twin Cites, engaging in political education both within and outside of our radical circles. We created an interactive map of free resources across the Twin Cities, hosted skill shares and classes around bike maintenance, herbal health care, and anarchism, and seeded the creation of a new health cooperative – the MN Health and Wellness Collective. We provided free dinner to several hundred people over the course of two weeks, and partook in the ongoing work of building communities of solidarity, resistance, and mutual aid.

Now, we’re emerging with expanded networks and valuable lessons learned, a step ahead of where we began this project.

Of course, the end of the shutdown is only the beginning of the next troubling chapter for Minnesotans. Full details of the new budget are still emerging, but it’s clear that all possible outcomes include severe cuts to government services that our communities rely on–everything from transportation to health care, environmental protections to higher education. These cuts come at the expense of the most vulnerable Minnesotans, while the ruling class continues to profit and thrive.

Though those of us gathered under the banner of Shut Down, Rise Up! have opted to stop serving nightly meals in Powderhorn Park, we intend to continue organizing and growing as anti-authoritarians, both in resistance to austerity measures in Minnesota and to the whole system of capitalism and the state.

In struggle,
Shut Down, Rise Up!

We had a great discussion around where this initiative is going, what inspired people to get involved in the first place and what we hope to see grow out of it. Many people expressed various concerns, such as

• dwindling participation
• lack of continuity and repetition of ideas
• burnout
• adherence to a format without thinking critically about whether it
• actually furthers the intended goals of the Shut Down Rise Up! initiative, i.e. to intervene in the shutdown with a critical analysis of the narrative of ‘crisis’, and to collectively enable and envision life without government by creating alternatives based on sharing resources, mutual aid and solidarity

There seemed to be general support for continuing having free dinners and project discussions.

We also discussed some direct action proposals:

1. digging up grass in the park and planting food instead
2. doing nightly home demos outside the houses of people who create a sense of crisis or benefit from it, e.g. politicians, or CEOs of big corporations based in the TC metro area
3. disrupt government institutions that remain open but that we wish were shutdown, like prisons, or police offices.

We briefly discussed the second proposal, but ran out of time, so the discussion will continue tomorrow. Some things that were mentioned:

• legal issues
• getting media to come
• collaborate with other groups and shutdown initiatives to gather a critical mass – it was encouraged that people talk to groups they know and are a part of about this
• Universal Health Care Action Network has experience of home demos

Kim hosted a workshop on useful herbs for healthy living that several people attended. This workshop will continue every Wednesday for as long as the convergence continues, and people are attending the workshop.

As always, the food was delish and plentiful, thanks to everyone who cooked. Food and other logistics are covered for tomorrow. We need to keep bringing our own dishes to eat from, to minimize trash. The Committee to Stop FBI Repression is cooking on Saturday, but we need bottomliners to cover the dinners until then.

- Shut Down Rise Up forum board through Minneactivist here:
http://minneactivist.forumotion.com/f28-shut-down-rise-up

- Shut Down Rise Up Twitter: http://twitter.com/shutdownriseup

- ‘Like’ us on the Shut Down Rise Up Facebook Page:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Shutdown-Rise-UP/229707200390627

Today, Day 13 (Wed.), we’ll come together again at 5pm for a free meal – on the north side of the park building in Powderhorn Park – followed by community assembly discussions. Today is Wellness Wednesday, which will include presenting workshops, resources, and materials themed around healthcare.

Food:
We are in need of folks who can commit to bring a dish to share—potluck style—for the next few days, especially tomorrow. Check your pantry and fridge and see what you have to whip up! If you have extra food to share that someone else could prepare, please bring it to the convergence so that others can take it and use it.

- Shut Down Rise Up forum board through Minneactivist here:
http://minneactivist.forumotion.com/f28-shut-down-rise-up

- Shut Down Rise Up Twitter: http://twitter.com/shutdownriseup

- ‘Like’ us on the Shut Down Rise Up Facebook Page:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Shutdown-Rise-UP/229707200390627

Food:
We are in need of folks who can commit to bring a dish to share—potluck style—for the next few days, especially tomorrow. Check your pantry and fridge and see what you have to whip up! If you can bring a dish any day, please let Eli know at eli.meyerhoff(A)gmail.com .

If you have extra food to share that someone else could prepare, please bring it to the convergence so that others can take it and use it. Another project for the food group is to find organizations or groups to bottomline cooking a meal for one day. If you know of any to ask, please do so.

Healthcare:
The MN Health and Wellness Collective (MNHAWC) is working together to put on Wellness Wednesdays, which will include presenting workshops, resources, and materials at the convergence space. During and after the shutdown, they are also creating a grassroots health resource center at the new Minnehaha Free Space (see http://minnehahafreespace.org ). If you’re interested in getting involved with the MNHAWC, email Lucas.

Outreach:
To connect better with other organizations, we are working to have a big event (and many smaller events) at the convergence in collaboration with other groups. If you are part of any groups, please ask them if they would like to participate.

One idea for outreach is to make some door-hangers publicizing SDRU by using re-purposed hanging panels from busses. Pick some up if you can and bring them to the convergence.

We’re working on updating the flier. Also, we have the flier translated into Hmong, and we’re working on having it translate into Somali and Oromo.

A big event that we can connect with is the National Night Out on August 2nd (see http://www.nationaltownwatch.org/nno/).

- Shut Down Rise Up forum board through Minneactivist here:
http://minneactivist.forumotion.com/f28-shut-down-rise-up

- Shut Down Rise Up Twitter: http://twitter.com/shutdownriseup

- ‘Like’ us on the Shut Down Rise Up Facebook Page:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Shutdown-Rise-UP/229707200390627

On Day 11, Monday, we’ll come together at 5pm for a free meal – on the north side of the park building in Powderhorn Park. This will be a potluck style meal, so we invite you to bring a dish to share. Afterwards, around 6pm, we’ll have discussions in project groups.

The following are updates on what’s happening with some of the projects:

The outreach group is working to get more organized and to get the word out to the community to build up a larger force. We would like to focus more on out theme days to generate more participation. Therefore we’d like to do more publicity about Wellness Wednesday and Free Market Friday. This coming Wellness Wednesday we’re planning to have a soccer game, as well as a bike repair station facilitated by Alex. Though at this point we don’t actually have a soccer ball… if anyone has one that they can bring that would be great!

Another big project we’re working on is a big blowout party for Shut Down, Rise Up! We’re working to get local musicians to donate their time, as well as local businesses to sponsor/advertise/donate time as well. This event would act as a revamp for SDRU and really try to get lots of people to come. Anyone who has any connections with local musicians is welcome to try to get folks to join us! We’d also like to get local artists out to perform at SDRU on other days as well.

Lastly, another way we’d like to get the word out is talking to the community about childcare. After talking with everyone today it seems to be a big issue, and we’d like to talk to folks about their needs at SDRU. With that said, we’d also like to create a more comfortable/fostering structure during the general assembly by talking more in the large group and creating disscussion more there. Tommorow we’d like to try this out, focusing on childcare needs and connecting folks who need childcare with folks who can give it. We would like to promote this on our internet media websites and create a discussion for it on our new forum.

- Shut Down Rise Up forum board through Minneactivist here:
http://minneactivist.forumotion.com/f28-shut-down-rise-up

- Shut Down Rise Up Twitter: http://twitter.com/shutdownriseup

- ‘Like’ us on the Shut Down Rise Up Facebook Page:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Shutdown-Rise-UP/229707200390627

Tomorrow is day 10 of the convergence. EXCO/ South Side Free Skool is cooking the meal, and people have said they will bring ice cream to make it an ice cream social. Feel free to bring dishes and food to share.

We ran out of disposable cups and cutlery today, so remember to bring your own and maybe some to share.

Somebody suggested writing a press release after the 10th day to send out to the press on Monday. They also suggested inviting media and new groups to attend the convergence since it seems like more people are going to be there tomorrow. Nobody has bottom-lined working on this so far.

-Next Wednesday will be the first of the themed “Wellness Wednesdays” where health-related resources will be shared. A person versed in herbalism will be bring some plants for identification and simple applications. A health library is in the works and people with literature to contribute should bring it on Wednesday to the park around 5pm.

-On Fridays we will continue our Free Market. Community members can bring items they are willing to give away for free at 5pm on Friday, though anyone should feel open to bring good on any day of the convergence. If you bring items to the park for this please be sure you take any items you brought which were not claimed.

-Shut Down Rise Up forum board through Minneactivist here: http://minneactivist.forumotion.com/f28-shut-down-rise-up

-Shut Down Rise Up Twitter: http://twitter.com/shutdownriseup

-Shut Down Rise Up Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Shutdown-Rise-UP/229707200390627

Upcoming events and ideas planned for the convergence are the following:

-This Sunday will be Ice Cream Social Sunday! Two people at the convergence today volunteered to bring ice cream this Sunday along with others yesterday. EXCO/South Side Free Skool will be cooking the meal in the park this Sunday. They’ll be cooking kale, chard, lentils, and rice. Feel free to bring other dishes or foods to cook too.

-Next Wednesday will be the first of the themed “Wellness Wednesdays” where health-related resources will be shared. A person versed in herbalism will be bring some plants for identification and simple applications. A health library is in the works and people with literature to contribute should bring it on Wednesday to the park around 5pm.

-On Fridays we will continue our Free Market. Community members can bring items they are willing to give away for free at 5pm on Friday, though anyone should feel open to bring good on any day of the convergence. If you bring items to the park for this please be sure you take any items you brought which were not claimed.

-A car maintenance-related skill share will be taking place in the near future.

-A soccer game protest on the Capital steps was suggested – updates hopefully to follow at the park tomorrow.

-A community member is requesting support for her blog: http://usuncutmn.blogspot.com/

-Shut Down Rise Up forum board through Minneactivist here: http://minneactivist.forumotion.com/f28-shut-down-rise-up

-Shut Down Rise Up Twitter: http://twitter.com/shutdownriseup

-Shut Down Rise Up Facebook Page:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Shutdown-Rise-UP/229707200390627

Day 9 of the Shut Down Rise Up Convergence is tomorrow. Every convergence is a free space and open to anyone. There is no core group of organizers for the group. Therefore, these convergences are what we make of them. Join your community in the park at 5pm.

At our community assembly we found volunteers for packing away our communal dinner and helping prepare tomorrow’s meal. People committed to either bringing back leftover food or preparing a new dish. Everyone is welcome to bring a dish for tomorrow. In keeping with the flexibility of the Shut Down Rise Up! convergence (after planning food for Day ideas and concerns related to the convergence were briefly announced by various community members. Interest was expressed towards “Wellness Wednesdays” where the convergence would emphasize health-related resources and issues every Wednesday of Shut Down Rise Up! Kim has volunteered to do a workshop on easy and useful herbs for healthy living on Wednesday, July 13. It was suggested that, in keeping with Wellness Wednesdays, on Fridays a (Really, Really) Free Market could happen in the park. Starting tomorrow, interested community members should bring items they are willing to give away for free at 5pm. If you bring items to the park for this please be sure you take any items you brought which were not claimed.

Someone also suggested that there are too many meetings and there should be more fun at Shut Down Rise Up! An ice cream social is in the works for Sunday’s assembly. If a few people (this could mean you!) would bring ice cream, we could all share the bounty. If anyone can bring a non-dairy and soy-free alternative this would be wonderful for those in the community who cannot consume dairy or soy. Also, if someone has games to share at the next meeting, please do (Twister was requested). Music was played during dinner today and we encourage people to bring their instruments and share their music any evening. There is a more organized jam seeking musicians for next Tuesday – come tomorrow to help plan and contribute to this. From these ideas, people were encouraged to break out into groups and connect with people who shared interests in particular tasks.

Breakout groups that met were Outreach, Health and Fun.

Outreach: There is a Shut Down Rise Up Twitter account: @shutdownriseup http://twitter.com/shutdownriseup Translation of our literature are available in English and Spanish and outreach will continue in various neighborhoods and landmarks around the city including: Philips neighborhood, laundromats, a union of cleaning workers, college campuses, and local farmer’s markets.

Health: Wellness Wednesdays are on – bring health-related resources to share next Wednesday. Come learn about herbalism and other health practices. Fun: Bring games and music/instruments if you have some to share at the convergence. Ice cream Social Sundays need a few people to commit to bringing ice cream. Other Announcements: KARE 11 filmed us today – this aired tonight at 10pm Pioneer Press has written an article mentioning Shut Down Rise Up! http://www.twincities.com/news/ci_18423774?source=rss

Shut Down Rise Up Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Shutdown-Rise-UP/229707200390627

Twitter: http://twitter.com/shutdownriseup Today will be Day 8 of Shut Down Rise Up! We will be meeting to share food, ideas and resources at the usual time of 5pm in Powderhorn Park on the North side of the park’s building. If you have a dish to share, please come by between 4:30 and 5pm.

On Thursday, Day 7, we’ll share a meal at 5pm, followed by discussions around 6pm. We’re meeting again at Powderhorn Park near the park building’s north side.

Food:
Tomorrow’s dinner will be potluck style, so bring something yummy to share if you are able. We are talking with other organizations about volunteering to collectively put on a night of food. If you are part of a group or organization that might be interested in this, please contact Jude – recycleme2(A)riseup.net

Outreach:
There is now a Shut Down Rise Up Twitter account! Follow us here: http://twitter.com/#!/shutdownriseup
A forum will be created soon, so that discussions can continue online. Translations of our literature are available in Spanish, and a Somali version is in the works. If you know of anyone who could translate a Hmong version, please ask them! (and contact Eli – eli.meyerhoff(A)gmail.com). Finally, we are going to start having themed days, starting with a Wellness Wednesday (7/13), where Kim has volunteered to do a workshop on easy and useful herbs for healthy living. Other ideas and skillshares are welcome!

Fun:
Leslie (leslie(A)EarthProtector.org) volunteered to secure a bus for the group if 60 people are interested in getting together for a trip down to the capitol to have a gathering/ drum circle and present our version of a solution to the crisis (since our political leaders seem incapable of this). If you are interested please email Leslie soon so that a date can be worked out! It would most likely be an all day event (problem solving and poster making in the morning @ Powderhorn, bussing to capitol and the event itself).
Other ideas for fun at the convergence space included bringing out a music player of some sort (such as a boom box), or getting some live music for the dinner and socializing part of the meeting. Anyone who owns a musical instrument and/or a boombox (or other music player) or who is part of a band is invited to come share some music with the group.

Health:
There is now a space secured for the envisioned community based holistic healthy living center, and the group today discussed more about how the space could be used. Workshop ideas range from yoga to cura huesos to blood pressure check-ups to reiki, to street medic training; and we’re still looking for ideas! A small library of literature on traditional and modern medicine is starting up, so if you have books or pamphlets you’d like to donate, please contact Margo (mfaulk(A)macalester.edu). There was also an idea voiced of providing information and help to individuals to facilitate access to the medical system, as insurance and treatment can be difficult to navigate. If you’d like to contribute your knowledge or skills (in form of herbs, any sort of workshop, or medical knowledge), please let us know.

Housing:
This newly formed group is interested in getting in touch with families that are struggling with various housing situations. There is a potential partner in the Poor Peoples Economic Human Rights Campaign, but other groups with expertise would be amazing if anyone has contacts.

Announcements:
Check out http://usuncutmn.blogspot.com for some great info on the legislation under debate and updates on development.

On Wednesday, Day 6, we’ll share a meal at 5pm, followed by discussions at 6pm about how we can organize together to meet our collective needs during the shutdown and beyond. We’re meeting at Powderhorn Park near the park building’s north side.

If you’d like to help with FOOD, the food group is looking for folks to cook/contribute to tomorrow’s meal. To help cook tomorrow’s meal, please come at 2 PM to Walker Church (in the basement), which is located at 3104 16th ave S. If you bring food to share, please be sure of what’s in it and whether it’s vegetarian, vegan, gluten free, etc. Also, we are looking for groups/orgs to donate and/or cater food for a day (if interested, contact Jude – recycleme2(A)riseup.net from the food group). Please, if you are able, bring your own dishware and cutlery to the free meal, and the food committee will have some as well for folks who can’t.

The OUTREACH group is working to focus on flyering, web outreach, and making connections with organizations. Please contact us if you are part of an organization that could get involved in some way, whether putting on an event at the convergence, sharing resources, or spreading the word to its members (contact Eli – eli.meyerhoff(A)gmail.com). If you would like to help with flyering, let us know and we can get fliers to you or you can pick them up at the convergence. Help spread the word through liking us on facebook and tweeting #shutdownriseup.

The HEALTHCARE group is focusing a lot on skill-sharing. Some folks are already able to provide services such as acupressure and herbal remedies. The group plans to start a storage space/resource center for herbs and natural health resources, and self-help information. If anyone has any info/connections /resources they would like to share with the group they are very welcome to!

Another way you can support the project is by donating. To do so, click the Paypal button below!