We the People...
A Community Conversation to Understand the U.S. Constitution, in 10 Acts
Recent events have exposed challenges to our constitutional democracy. How we elect our
Presidents, the role of the branches of government in checking and balancing each other, voter
manipulation and suppression, and the power of states vs. the power of the federal government
are being discussed by people in all corners of our communities from the gym to the grocery
store to our places of worship. The consequences of how these issues play out, to our human and
civil rights, to our environment, and to the future of our democracy, are tremendous. It’s
important for each of us to understand the document that guides our country, how it got
us to the situation we see today, and how we can use it to get to a stronger democracy.
What does the U.S. Constitution and its amendments actually say, how has it been
interpreted and changed over the last 225 years, and how does it give us opportunities to
protect ourselves, our communities, and our collective future? “We the People... A
Community Conversation to Understand the U.S. Constitution, in 10 Acts” will explore these
topics.
Kick-Off Event: Public Reading of the U.S. Constitution and Amendments and
community potluck (Friday, January 6, 6-9 PM, Solomon’s Porch, 100 West 46th St)
Bi-weekly Study Sessions on specific topics (Sunday afternoons, beginning Sunday,
January 15, 1-3 PM, Solomon’s Porch, 100 West 46th St)
Wrap-Up: A Culminating Call to Action and community potluck (Friday April 28, 6-9
PM, Solomon’s Porch, 100 West 46th St)
All events are FREE, but free-will donations will be collected to off-set costs to our host
site. All remaining donations will be given to organizations that protect civil liberties and
voting rights. Everyone is welcome!
Housekeeping:
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If you arrive by car, on-street parking is available.
If you arrive by Metro Transit, the site is served by High-frequency routes #18, #11, and #46.
We regret to inform that Solomon’s Porch is not handicapped accessible and the use of stairs is required.
If you need assistance, contact us and we will see how we can assist.
There will be an opportunity to sign up for the bi-weekly study sessions on specific topics at the kick-off.
If you are not able to attend the kick-off but are interested in the subsequent study sessions, please contact
Sarah.
Questions? Contact Sarah Linnes-Robinson at 612-791-7081 or [email protected].
(See page 2 for a full schedule of topics and events.)
We the People...
A Community Conversation to Understand the U.S. Constitution, in 10 Acts
List of events:
All events will be held at Solomon’s Porch, 100 West 46th St, Minneapolis
1/6 (Friday), 6-9 PM: Kick-Off Event: Public Reading of the U.S. Constitution and Amendments
and community potluck
Bi-weekly Community Conversations led by local experts (Sundays, 1 -3 PM)
1/15
Who Can Do What, & Who Can Stop Them? The Branches of the Federal
Government (Articles 1-3)
1/29 My Wicca Sisterhood Wants to Hold A Rally: Freedoms of Expression (1st
Amendment)
2/12
Me vs Us: The Right to Bear Arms (2nd Amendment)
2/26 Sharing Your Private Thoughts in Our Public World: The Right to Privacy and Due
Process (4th Amendment)
3/12 Pleading the 5th and A Fair Trial for All: Defendants and the Criminal Justice
System (5th, 6th, and 13th Amendments)
3/26
MN vs. the USA: Federalism and States' Rights (10th and 14th Amendments)
4/9
MN Duty to Protect All Minnesotans: Equal Protection under the Law (14th
Amendment)
4/23
Power To All the People: The Right to Vote (15th, 19th, 24th Amendments) 4/28 (Friday), 6-9 PM: Wrap-Up: A Culminating Call to Action and community potluck!
Who are we? We are a loose group of ordinary individuals who believe in a future for this country and
our communities that is pluralistic, multicultural, just, and equitable. We see a dangerous flaunting of
the protective ideals of the Constitution, and are committed to protecting and promoting it and the
principles it is based on. To do this we feel we need to understand it better! Members of the core
planning group include Matt Filner, Cara Letofsky, Jim Davnie, Abou Amara, Noel Nix, Sarah LinnesRobinson, Allison Wolf, Gerald Wilhem, Elizabeth Glidden, and Mark Haase.
Questions? Contact Sarah Linnes-Robinson at 612-791-7081 or [email protected].