St. Paul, Minnesota — Today, a group of legislators announced a bipartisan volunteer initiative — “Legislators Uniting to Volunteer” — aimed at bringing people together and making a difference in local communities. Rep. John Ward (DFL – Baxter) and Rep. Jenifer Loon (R – Eden Prairie) spearheaded the effort, with the goal of monthly legislative volunteer opportunities beginning again during the 2014 Legislative Session. April is also National Volunteer Month.
“At a time when partisanship is high and people are divided, we wanted to work together, build relationships with our colleagues and communities, and make a positive difference in people’s lives,” said Rep. Ward. “We do a lot of talking at the legislature and encouraging people to be active in their communities and volunteer. It’s time for us to walk the walk and do some direct, positive work in our communities.”
“As public servants, we work side by side each day in the Capitol for the hardworking taxpayers of Minnesota. What better way to continue that work outside the Capitol walls by volunteering with local charities,” said Rep. Loon. “We hope ‘Legislators Uniting to Volunteer’ is a new way for Democrats and Republicans to work together to serve those in need in our community.”
The bipartisan group of legislators will be volunteering tonight at the Dorothy Day Center in St. Paul. The legislators will be preparing and serving an evening snack, laying down mats, and doing some clean up. Legislators will also be given a brief tour and overview of the services provided by the Dorothy Day Center, which is managed by Catholic Charities of St. Paul and Minneapolis.
The Dorothy Day Center provides hot meals served by volunteers, mental health services and medical care and much more to people experiencing homelessness. Catholic Charities Housing First staff help guests move from the Dorothy Day Center into housing.
“Catholic Charities could not do our work without the incredible support of generous volunteers, who in 2012 contributed over 213,000 hours of service to help improve the lives of those most in need in our community,” said Tim Marx, CEO of Catholic Charities of St. Paul and Minneapolis. “Joining together to serve our fellow citizens experiencing poverty and homelessness is one of the most powerful ways to build strong, thriving communities for all Minnesotans.”
The following members are signed up to volunteer: Rep. John Ward, Rep. Jenifer Loon, Rep. Connie Bernardy (DFL – Fridley), Rep. Kathy Brynaert (DFL – Mankato), Rep. Lyndon Carlson (DFL – Crystal), Rep. Raymond Dehn (DFL – Minneapolis), Rep. Zachary Dorholt (DFL – St. Cloud), Rep. Peter Fischer (DFL – Maplewood), Rep. Laurie Halverson (DFL – Eagan), Rep. Jason Isaacson (DFL – Shoreview), Rep. Phyllis Kahn (DFL – Minneapolis), Rep. Ron Kresha (R – Little Falls), Rep. Paul Marquart (DFL – Dilworth), Rep. Rena Moran (DFL – St. Paul), Rep. Erin Murphy (DFL – St. Paul), Rep. John Persell (DFL – Bemidji), Rep. Joe Radinovich (DFL – Crosby), Rep. Linda Runbeck (R – Circle Pines), Rep. Shannon Savick (DFL – Albert Lea), Rep. Mary Sawatzky (DFL – Willmar), Rep. Erik Simonson (DFL – Duluth), House Speaker Paul Thissen, and Rep. Kurt Zellers (R – Maple Grove).
Minnesotans interested in volunteering with Catholic Charities or the Dorothy Day Center can visit the Catholic Charities volunteer website, email volunteer@cctwincities.org or call 612-204-8435.