The task force was specifically created to provide information to the Minnesota state legislature. Now that they have a wealth of data and stories, it’s time for ACTION. But political change rarely happens without public pressure — people contacting their elected officials to let them know they care about an issue and want their lawmaker to prioritize a bill or budget item. Many of the recommendations from the task force can be advanced by our state leaders during the 2023 legislative session, which is happening NOW through May 2023. 

Here are important people to contact: 

• Governor Tim Walz, 651-201-3400, email

• Senate Majority Leader Kari Dziedzic, 651-296-7809, email

• House Speaker Melissa Hortman, 651-296-4280, rep.melissa.hortman@house.mn.gov

• Your state Representative and state Senator (click here to find out who represents you!)

Sample email script

Dear [name]- 

I am your constituent and proud that Minnesota is the first state in the nation to dedicate resources to a Missing and Murdered African American Women’s Task Force — and pass legislation establishing an Office of Missing and Murdered Black Women & Girls. But we can’t stop there. I hope, like me, you have taken the time to read and reflect on the recently released report that clearly outlines devastating data and personal stories that reveal an epidemic of violence against Black women and girls in our state. 

If you feel comfortable, add why this issue is important to you personally. Here’s an example: “I went to a women’s shelter and they told me they can’t accept me at their location because I was from "outside their service area" and I needed to go somewhere else. I went to the other place and they said there’s no more room. Now I have almost no gas in my car. Where can I go? We need resources for survivors wherever they are in Minnesota.”

I applaud state leaders for taking the time to conduct research that centered those most impacted — and now those women, girls and stakeholders who shared their stories and time deserve your urgent and immediate action. The task force put forward six clear recommendations and there’s still time to prioritize these issues during the 2023 legislative session: 

• Funding spaces and resources that specifically serve Black women and girls

• Encouraging effective, culturally appropriate, anti-racist trainings and professional education for systems professionals 

• Implementing better coordination across agencies to increase accessibility of services and responsiveness

• Supporting policies that increase accessible and affordable emergency and long-term housing

I also ask that you join me on social media to publicly show your active support to end violence against Black women and girls in Minnesota using the hashtag #mmaaw. Thank you for your attention and action on this critical issue to ensure that Minnesota is a place where Black women and girls can thrive. 

Sample call script

Hi [name of leader]. My name is [x] and I live in your district in [neighborhood/city]. I’m calling today to applaud you and your colleagues for making Minnesota the first state in the nation to dedicate resources to a Missing and Murdered African American Women’s Task Force — and pass legislation establishing an Office of Missing and Murdered Black Women & Girls. But we can’t stop there.

The recently released report — that you can find at researchinaction.com/mmaaw — clearly reveals an epidemic of violence against Black women and girls in our state. It also puts forward six clear recommendations and I strongly urge you to prioritize during the 2023 legislative session, including establishing a Missing and Murdered African American Women Office, funding spaces and resources that specifically serve Black women and girls and supporting policies that increase accessible and affordable emergency and long-term housing. 

I also ask that you join me on social media to publicly show your active support to end violence against Black women and girls in Minnesota using the hashtag #mmaaw. Thank you in advance for your attention and action on this critical issue.  

Sample social media

When using the sample social media posts, tag your elected officials! Here are some key Twitter handles: @GovTimWalz, @melissahortman, @KariDziedzic. You can also tag elected officials on Facebook and Instagram!