Ways to prioritize local communities
Graphic by Janet Xiong
Prioritizing self care is important, and yet the Twin Cities and Greater Minnesota communities need care as well.
These are trying times, and marginalized communities are disproportionately vulnerable to open hate speech and law changes. If you come from a place of privilege, ask yourself what you can do to help those around you.
First and foremost, support local businesses. It could be food from local restaurants or buying retail from local shops.
There are seven cultural districts in Minneapolis: 38th Street, Cedar Avenue South, Central Avenue, East Lake Street, Franklin Avenue East, Lowry Avenue North and West Broadway. All have vibrant and delicious restaurants. One of my favorites is MOMO Sushi on Central Avenue.
For college students, eating out regularly and buying goods is not always doable. If possible, go out to eat once in a while or treat yourself to an item of clothing from a local boutique. Otherwise tell family members and friends to go try out some of these places.
I cannot usually afford to support small businesses as much as I would like to. Here’s what I do: avoid buying from big corporations. I’m not perfect, but I am actively aware of where I am buying things.
It could be as simple as swapping out Starbucks for a local cup of coffee. Or going to Mesa Pizza or Frank and Andrea’s instead of McDonald’s after a night out.
Etsy is also a great small business-centered alternative to shopping websites, such as Amazon. Also, try buying food from the Farmer’s Market when possible.
Secondly, support local artists.
Follow them on music streaming services. Go to local markets and keep their business cards.
Meet Minneapolis has specific curated playlists on Spotify of local musicians spanning multiple genres.
Another great way is through a Minneapolis Craft Market that features dozens of local artisans. There are a few upcoming holiday markets around the Twin Cities that are great for keeping your holiday shopping local!
Holidays on Nicollet runs Tuesdays through Sundays at Nicollet Mall from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Field and Festival Holiday Market is every Saturday and Sunday at 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Wagners Garden Center.
Additionally, the Mall of America Holiday Market runs on weekends, starting Nov. 29, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with 40 local Minnesotan vendors.
Luckily, all of these markets close on Dec. 22, leaving plenty of time to stop by before the holidays. This is a good opportunity to look for unique, hand-crafted holiday presents.
Minnesota Makers is a gift shop in Excelsior that features a plethora of work from local artisans.
Last of all, volunteer.
There are plenty of hands-on opportunities such as volunteering for after school programs, at homeless shelters or meal packing for Feed My Starving Children. It is also possible to volunteer skills to local nonprofit organizations. HandsOn Twin Cities offers opportunities like event planning, analytics, management and becoming a board member.
Big brother and sister programs are a great way to mentor children, give them opportunities to succeed and allow them to harness their potential. Also, it is a great chance to build relationships within the youth community.
Stay up to date with local clothing and food drives in the area. It’s a great way to donate old items rather than throwing them away.
There are tons of explorable options to give back to the local community. The information I gave is only a fraction of the opportunities available. There is more you can research. Just open your laptop.
Additionally, since it is the holiday season, check out one of the previous options to lend a gifting hand.