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Minnesota's 'Land of Neighbors' campaign meets its first test
The philanthropy-backed effort is testing messaging to counter division as organizers plan more than a dozen sessions statewide.
- On Wednesday, July 15, about 30 people gathered at West Central Initiative in Fergus Falls for the inaugural listening session of the Minnesota: Land of Neighbors campaign, a multiyear effort to counter polarization.
- Launched June 23 by state philanthropies, the campaign seeks to refresh Minnesota's image following national media coverage of immigration raids and protests earlier this year, with organizers planning more than a dozen sessions statewide.
- Facilitator Nathan Stock of Common Ground USA noted participants were "ready to roll, being thoughtful" despite diverse viewpoints, ultimately coalescing around shared values like humility, helpfulness, and resilience.
- Barb Zempel, chair of the Fergus Falls Township board, said participants "all did come around to the same ideas," while Mackenzie Hamm recalled neighbors visiting within a 5-mile radius to check in regularly.
- Organizers intend these sessions to shape future messaging ahead of midterm elections, with the next gathering scheduled for July 29 in the Twin Cities as the campaign continues statewide.
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Total News Sources12
Leaning Left0Leaning Right6Center6Last UpdatedBias Distribution50% Center, 50% Right
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources are Center, 50% of the sources lean Right
50% Right
C 50%
R 50%
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