GMWC Attends Light in the Storm
On December 13, 2025, team members from the Greater Minnesota Worker Center (GMWC) joined hundreds of community members, faith leaders, workers, organizers, and advocates from across Minnesota for the Light in the Storm Convening, co-hosted by ISAIAH and Faith in Minnesota.
Despite frigid temperatures and challenging winter weather, participants gathered with determination, hope, and a shared commitment to building a more just and equitable future for all Minnesotans. The energy and spirit of the event served as a powerful reminder that communities are strongest when they come together in solidarity, especially during difficult times.
We extend our sincere congratulations to ISAIAH and Faith in Minnesota for organizing such a successful and inspiring convening. Bringing together so many people committed to justice, dignity, and collective action is no small task, and the event demonstrated the strength and resilience of Minnesota’s movement for change.
Advancing The People’s Agenda
A central focus of the convening was advancing The People’s Agenda, a vision for a Minnesota where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their income, race, immigration status, or zip code.
The People’s Agenda highlights priorities that resonate deeply with the mission of the Greater Minnesota Worker Center, including economic justice, affordable housing, quality education, accessible healthcare, environmental stewardship, immigrant justice, and a democracy that works for everyday people. It calls on communities to work together to address the systemic barriers that prevent families from achieving stability and prosperity.
At GMWC, we see every day how workers and immigrant families are impacted by policies and systems that shape their workplaces, communities, and opportunities. The People’s Agenda recognizes that lasting change requires organized people, collective action, and a commitment to putting the needs of working families first.
Shared Values, Shared Struggles
The Greater Minnesota Worker Center exists to organize workers and build power across Greater Minnesota. Many of the issues highlighted during the convening are issues that our members experience firsthand—from economic insecurity and workplace exploitation to barriers faced by immigrant communities seeking safety, opportunity, and belonging.
The conversations, workshops, and collective visioning that took place throughout the event reinforced an important truth: meaningful change happens when people come together across communities, faith traditions, regions, and lived experiences to pursue common goals.
We were inspired by the leadership of organizers, faith leaders, and community members who continue to build powerful movements rooted in justice, compassion, and solidarity.
Building Hope Through Action
The theme of “Light in the Storm” felt especially meaningful as participants reflected on both the challenges facing our communities and the opportunities that lie ahead. While many families continue to face uncertainty, the convening highlighted the power of collective action to create positive change.
The event offered a hopeful vision for the future—one grounded not only in shared values, but in practical organizing, leadership development, advocacy, and community engagement.
For GMWC, gatherings like this strengthen our resolve to continue organizing workers, developing leaders, and building partnerships that advance justice throughout Minnesota.
Looking Ahead
As we move into 2026, we are grateful for the opportunity to stand alongside organizations like ISAIAH and Faith in Minnesota that are working tirelessly to build stronger communities and create a more equitable future.
We congratulate the organizers, speakers, volunteers, and participants who made the Light in the Storm Convening such a success. Despite the cold temperatures, the event was filled with warmth, hope, and a clear vision for the work ahead.
The Greater Minnesota Worker Center looks forward to continuing to support efforts that advance The People’s Agenda and strengthen the collective power of workers, immigrant families, and communities across Minnesota.
Together, we can build a future where every person is valued, every worker is respected, and every community has the opportunity to flourish.
In solidarity,
Greater Minnesota Worker Center
