Friends,

Dontcha just love late October? The chill in the air, the falling leaves, and the... political negativity? 

I worked on political campaigns as a volunteer or a paid staff person for about 20 years. And I'll tell you a secret: October is awful for pretty much everybody. Candidates are feeling anxious, staff and party people are running on caffeine and adrenaline, reporters are trying to find new angles on the same story, and most of their spouses, partners, and family members are tired of holding down the fort. (Although many of them believe that's their own way to support a candidate or a campaign or democracy in general. And they're right.) Voters are either sick of the conversation, or just tuning into the conversation... which is the entire basis for the anxiety and adrenaline. 

With all of that swirling around, it's easy to want to channel your own anxiety and big feelings. I've talked with so many people lately who want to DO something. 

I suggest two options: you can DO something with your favorite political candidate. Campaigns still have a lot of volunteer opportunities. Or, you can DO something else in/for your community. Research shows that helping others -- however that looks in your own life -- is a really good way to mitigate stress.

The theme of this year's Purple Party is Celebrating Public Service. We're honoring elected officials who are leaving their roles in 2026, but we're not stopping there. Join us on November 14 to celebrate other kinds of public service too -- the kind that is rooted in volunteerism, participation in nonprofit boards, civic organizations or faith communities. Public service of all kinds is just as important to the civic health of a community. 

If you're feeling anxious, maybe service is the answer. Bringing a little comfort, joy, or good vibes to your community may be the best service of all. And that's definitely something worth DOING in October.

Do brave things,

Shannon

p.s. I know that sending an email on Thursday of MEA weekend means I'll get a slew of out of office replies. If you're reading your email while it feels like everybody else is on vacation, and are interested in attending the Purple Party, scroll down for a special discount code. It'll save you $25 when you buy two tickets together. I can't do anything about the vacation, but I can save you some money! :)

Shannon Watson

Founder & Executive Director

An announcement we're thrilled to share:

our Purple Party keynote speaker, the one, the only, Pat Kessler!

Pat Kessler is a 50 year veteran of Minnesota's media landscape and an award winning political reporter and commentator. He is currently political analyst for FOX9 Minnesota for the 2026 elections. He is also a long time fixture on the Twin Cities market-leading KFAN sports radio as a political commentator and pop culture pundit.

Pat was Chief Political Reporter for WCCO-TV/CBS in Minneapolis, where he received three Emmys for his groundbreaking political fact-checking franchise "Reality Check".

In 2014 the National Academy of Television Arts voted him the Silver Circle award for lifetime achievement in broadcasting. In 2024, Pat was inducted into the Minnesota Broadcasters Hall of Fame.

Special discount for Minnesotans who are reading their email this week: Thursday October 15 to Sunday, October 18 save $25 when you buy two tickets together. 

Select the "MEA Break two-ticket special" and enter code "MEA" on the checkout page to redeem the discount.

Sponsorships are still available!

More money we have = more good we can do

You can use any of these platforms for giving year-round:

Anedot - our baseline donor platform (same thing you'll find on our website)

GiveMN - not just for

Give to the Max day!

Benevity - does your company use this? See if they'll match your gift!

Majority in the Middle is a 501(c)3, so all donations are tax deductible!

Why we're divided... and what you can do next

If you want to learn more about Why We're Divided, without focusing on specific politicians or candidates running for office now, try viewing our TEDx presentation.

The video can be found on the TED YouTube channel here.

Speaking of Speaking...

If you are part of a business, civic, or community group that would like to have a presentation or a speaker to talk about division, politics, making your advocacy bipartisan, or something similar please reach out to Shannon.

We have ready-made and customizable presentations on topics like:

• Why we're divided and what you can do about it
• How to make your advocacy bipartisan and why you should
• How to lead communities forward after a divisive election season
• Are we funding division, or multiplication?

Speaking engagements coming up:

October 22 - Woodbury Area Chamber of Commerce

January 11, 2027 - Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce

News from Friends and Partners

OPPORTUNITIES

Applications for the 2027 Minnesota and national Young American Leaders Programs (MYALP & YALP) are due on Friday, October 30. Learn more and apply here.

EVENTS

On Friday, October 16, 6:00-8:00p, Civic Bridgers is hosting an event with Neil Ghosh, author of Do More Good. Join in for dinner and conversation. Tickets are available here.

The League of Women Voters Minnesota is hosting a screening of the film Minnesota Neighbors on Tuesday, October 20 in St Paul at 5:00pm. Free to attend but pre-registration is required. RSVP here.

Minnesota Land of Neighbors is hosting a LOT of listening sessions all around the state. See the current list (I'm counting 12 events in the next 30 days - well done, events team!) here.

Office of the Secretary of State is hosting a nonpartisan virtual town hall on Tuesday, October 20 7:00-8:00pm to discuss key information for voters heading into Election Day, what to expect at the polls, and the election issues and questions that are top of mind as voting approaches. RSVP for the zoom link here.

Majority in the Middle has three rules for our newsletter:

1. We never sell or share our list.
2. We only send communications 2-3 times per month at the most.
3. We will never send fundraising solicitations with a made-up deadline!

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