Our year in review
As 2025 comes to a close, we’re feeling grateful for you and our whole VRJ community. This year reminded us how strong Minnesota is — organizing together, showing up for each other, and choosing hope in hard times.
2025 has been a big year for VRJ! Here are a few highlights from our year:
VRJ is here to fight for racial justice no matter what. At the top of the year, with Trump back in office and attacks on communities of color rising, we knew we needed a strategy built for this moment.
This spring, we met with 55 organizers and community leaders. Their voices shaped our new strategic plan, focused on breaking down silos, welcoming new people into organizing, and building strong, multiracial solidarity across movements for justice.
In June, 16 parents and caregivers graduated from our Education Equity fellowship! Over eighteen sessions, fellows grew their skills in organizing, policy advocacy, cultural healing, gender inclusion, and building networks of support with other BIPOC parents.
One graduate shared, "My knowledge has grown by not being quiet and last. I learned to take the lead and set the tone for others. Listening to everyone opened a new perspective on life and community.”
Our 8th cohort is already underway and will graduate next summer.
In July, our Policy Director Mónica Hurtado departed VRJ to embark on a new adventure as a Bush Fellow. We miss her already! In a special newsletter, Móni shared:
“I need to express how much I have enjoyed and appreciated spending most of the last 12 years being part of this great organization. It has been an honor as a leader, as a community organizer, as a latina woman and as human being to be in the struggle with all my wonderful co-workers, partners and allies.
It has been a beautiful journey, not only because it has given me a wonderful community but because I have been transformed in many different ways by each and all of you.”
In August, we threw our first-ever VRJ Block Party. It was a vibrant celebration of art, food, music, culture, and community love. Check out the photos.
In October, leaders from 11 racial justice and policy organizations came together for four days of learning together, sharing stories, and grounding our work in community power. Participants left ready to shape policies that move us closer to a true multiracial democracy.
Reflecting on our year makes us even more excited about what’s to come - we’re rolling out new trainings in community organizing, inclusive policymaking, and storytelling for change in 2026! These programs will support Black, Brown, and Indigenous leaders as they build the bold, joyful movements our state needs. Learn more about VRJ’s history of training and the path ahead!
Thank you for fighting with us, dreaming with us, and building the world we all deserve. We’re honored to be in this movement with you.
In solidarity,
The VRJ team <3