A Week to Shop Local for Truth & Freedom

WHAT: A Week to Shop Local for Truth & Freedom — a coordinated week of action uplifting small businesses and neighborhood commercial corridors across Minnesota.

WHEN: Monday February 9 - Saturday, February 14 (Valentines Day)

WHY:  Small businesses and entrepreneurs are showing courage in the face of unchecked federal power — while many large corporations have remained silent and complicit.

At the same time, the U.S. Congress is actively deciding the future of immigration enforcement in America. In the coming weeks, members will negotiate not only whether ICE leaves Minnesota, but also whether meaningful steps are taken to rein in ongoing overreach. Small businesses are bearing the economic and human costs of this moment.

This week of action is about:

  • uplifting small businesses and entrepreneurs,

  • redirecting economic activity toward local communities,

  • pushing major corporations to take a public stand, and

  • increasing pressure on Congress.

How to Participate

For Small Businesses:

  • Sign on to the Congressional business letter documenting impacts and calling for action

  • Display a Shop Local sign with a QR code linking to the campaign (download HERE)

  • Share your story publicly (op-eds, letters to the editor, media interviews — communications support available)

  • Continue or begin hosting mutual aid, including collecting diapers, groceries, and essential supplies

For Consumers:

  • Sign the public pledge to shop small and local during the week

  • Redirect spending away from large corporations toward local businesses

  • Shop intentionally using the campaign website to find goods and services

  • Support mutual aid efforts by bringing supplies to participating businesses

  • Buy gift cards to help businesses weather ongoing instability

For Associations & Organizations

  • Share member or corridor business lists to be included on the Shop Local website @playbookmediastrategies@gmail.com 

  • Promote the campaign via email, newsletters, and social media

  • Sponsor or anchor a day during the week of action

  • Encourage member participation in signing the letter and sharing stories

Week-at-a-Glance: Commercial Corridors

Community members will be encouraged to shop intentionally in cultural and neighborhood commercial corridors throughout the Twin Cities and Greater Minnesota.

Monday, Feb 9: Payne-Phalen / East St. Paul
Tuesday, Feb 10: Cedar-Riverside / Grand Avenue& Rice St.
Wednesday, Feb 11: Lake Street/ University Avenue
Thursday, Feb 12: Uptown & Whittier / Brooklyn Center & Brooklyn Park
Friday, Feb 13: North Minneapolis
Saturday, Feb 14: Bring your Valentine to your neighborhood business! 

Find Places to Shop