Join us for our "Opening Day in a Good Way" Gathering in the Rotunda! 

Given the overall political landscape our organizing arc will be different this year than in past seasons! The first day of the 2026 legislative session will be a day of mourning for the late House Speaker Rep. Melissa Hortman who was assassinated in her home on June 14, 2025.

This year's Rise & Repair Rally will take place on the first day of the legislative session, and we are adapting our plans to match the tone of the day and encourage healing in our communities ~ this gathering will be artistic with an interactive art project & community singing as we open up the 2026 session in a good way. For a full overview, please take a look at RiseAndRepair.org/rally!

TIME UPDATE: Rough Outline of our Day:

9:30am: Opening Circle on South Steps (for volunteers & those who feel called to join!)

10am: Gathering in the Rotunda & Interaction with Art Piece!

10:30-11am ~ Nibi Song, Art Collaboration & Speaker Remarks!

11:05 ~ Singing Resistance leads “We Remember” as we call out the names of loved ones that have walked on.

11:15 ~ Exit rotunda to south steps of Capitol and gather for a song, connection time & a group photograph.

11:45 ~ Distribute 2026 platform & letters to elected officials!

New Capitol Security Protocols in Place: The exterior doors at the top of the south steps are permanently locked from the outside. To enter the capitol, use the accessible entrance below the south steps ~ our understanding is that there will be a weapons screening station that you will walk through before continuing up the elevator or east stairs up to the main level to gather in the rotunda. Please leave an extra 10-15 minutes to navigate this process as you arrive!

If you would like to collaborate, volunteer, or support this gathering in any way please contact [email protected]