Riders Club Update

Metro Transit sent this bulletin at 06/17/2020 10:56 AM CDT

https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/MNMETRO/bulletins/29138e5

RidersClub header

Riders Club Update

 

Hello Riders Club,

 

It has been some time since we’ve reached out to this group. As with other organizations and agencies who have deeply settled hierarchies and parts to play in systemic racism, Metro Transit has been focused on some deep introspection and internal discussion. Wes Kooistra, General Manager of Metro Transit, addressed this in a memo to staff last week, “Listening and self-examination are critical first steps, but reflection is a useless exercise, even condescending, if that is where it ends. Change and action are required. The greatest test of our progress will be how we turn reflection into action, and whether we make a difference at the point of our transaction with our riders.”

 

Our first step is communication. Signage is more than sheets of paper or cardboard or plywood, it can be a critical means for demonstrating support. Prior to George Floyd’s murder, Metro Transit ordered “In This Together” yard signs (see image shown below) for staff and transit riders to show support and solidarity in these challenging times. We have 50 signs for you, our Riders Club members, on a first-come first-served basis. As frequent riders and fans of Metro Transit, you are just as much a partner in this togetherness as staff. Please send an email to jae.halverson@metrotransit.org if you’d be interested in getting an “In This Together” sign.

If you are able to travel to pick up the sign, please let us know and we will provide further details for collection.

 

If you cannot travel, please send us your address and we can arrange a drop off with you.

 In this together sign

We also recognize that “In This Together” needs to be more than a phrase on a sign, so this Saturday, June 20th, Metro Transit is coordinating with We Push for Peace on a Supply Donation Drive and Chalk Walk.

 

  • Supplies can be dropped off at the Heywood Campus located at 560 6th Avenue North, Minneapolis, MN 55411 on June 20th from 9 a.m.-12 p.m., or shipped to arrive between now and June 19th at the address listed below.
  • Supplies will be distributed to community members in need at a pop-up free grocery event at Chicago and Franklin in Minneapolis on June 20th, 1:30-4:30 p.m.
  • If you would like to order and ship items they must arrive by close of business on Friday, June 19th.
  • Critical items for donations are: laundry detergent, toilet paper, paper towels, diapers/pullups size 5 and up, baby formula, hand sanitizer, and soap.
  • Items we are collecting can be found on Sign Up Genius and on this Amazon Wish List; non perishable items can be sent to:  Metro Transit Mailroom Attn: Donation Drive 570 6th Avenue North, Minneapolis, MN 55411.

 

Council Chair Charlie Zelle announced last week that the Council will be conducting a review of the Metro Transit Police Department and will be welcoming the opportunity to participate in this community conversation about policing. Read more at https://metrocouncil.org/About-Us/Who-We-Are/Council-Chair/Messages/June-2020-2.aspx. Specific plans are now being formulated to support this review, and we’ll communicate progress and ways the community can be involved in the coming weeks. We’ll provide Riders Club with updates and opportunities for input when we have more details.  

 

Last thing, a bit of housekeeping: I would like to introduce myself-—my name is Jae Halverson and I'll be your point of contact for all things Riders Club going forward. You can reach me via email at jae.halverson@metrotransit.org or phone at 843-354-3343.

 

In peace and solidarity,

 

Jae Halverson