Author Archives: anacoordinator

Fall Fun at the Washburn Tot Lot

Fall Fun at the Washburn Tot Lot

Come to the Washburn Tot Lot for a start-of-school fun pop-up event on Saturday, September 17 from 10am–11:30am! All are welcome, so tell your neighbors and come on down for…

  • FREE treats
  • Activities for all ages
  • On-site voter registration thanks to the League of Women Voters
  • Free renters’ resources
  • New Washburn Tot Lot pollinator garden community dreaming open house (see below for more info!)

We want to extend a special invitation to all of our neighbors who rent. The ANA is committed to better reaching our renters who make up nearly 15% of the households in Armatage.

New Washburn Tot Lot Pollinator Garden

The ANA is so excited to announce that the neighborhood has received grant funding from the State of Minnesota’s Lawns to Legumes Neighborhood Demonstration Program and the Minneapolis People for Parks Foundation to fund a pollinator garden at the Washburn Tot Lot!  The new garden will be installed along the alley to provide a safe, beautiful barrier that will benefit our local pollinators!

Community engagement will begin at this event and we anticipate the new garden will be installed in May 2023 with our partner, Metro Blooms.

2017 Summer Festival

Photos from 2017

Thanks to David Kern Photography

2018 Summer Festival

Photos from Summer Festival 2018

Thanks to David Kern Photography

July 15, 2022 eNews

July 19, 2022 Meeting Agenda

Come one, come all to the Armatage Monthly Meeting next Tuesday, July 19 at 6:30pm, outside at Armatage Park!  Our meetings now kick off with comments from community members and we’d love to have you attend and share your thoughts and ideas! You are welcome to stay and participate throughout the meeting, too. Please bring your own chair if possible and find us near the playground (kids are welcome to play while adults meet). In case of rain, we’ll move indoors (masks recommended).

  • Welcome and Introductions (6:30pm)
  • Comments from the Community (6:35pm)
  • Ward 13 Update – Council Vice President Linea Palmisano (6:45pm)
  • Park Update & New Park Director, Dillon Clements (7:05pm)
  • ANA Events & Program Debrief Continued (7:15pm)
  • Fall Fun at the Washburn Tot Lot Event (7:35pm)
  • Approval of Minutes & Financials (7:45pm)
  • President’s Report (7:50pm)
  • Coordinator Report (8:00pm)
  • Committee Updates (8:05pm)
  • New Business (8:15pm)

We also have a couple open neighborhood board seats so if you’re interested in learning more or are a “do-er” and want to dive right in, please come to next week’s meeting or email us at anacoordinator@armatage.org!

Last Chance to Sponsor Armatage Summer Jam

Time is running out to showcase your company’s name to thousands of neighbors and community members at Armatage Summer Jam! The event will include five food trucks, a live band and other family friendly activities and games. To make this event a success, we are looking for 1-2 more local businesses to sponsor the event and are offering a wide range of options to support at various investment levels.

As a sponsor you’ll have the opportunity to reach the Armatage community through event advertising including our local newsletter (reaches nearly 5,000 residents), website and social media. Additionally, there will be acknowledgement of sponsors at the event on August 6.  To learn more about the sponsorship opportunities available, please click here.

New Washburn Tot Lot Pollinator Garden

The ANA is so excited to announce that we have received grant funding from the State of Minnesota’s Lawns to Legumes Neighborhood Demonstration Program and the Minneapolis People for Parks Fund to create a pollinator garden at the Washburn Tot Lot!  The new garden will be installed along the alley to provide a safe, beautiful barrier that will benefit our community and local pollinators.

Community engagement will begin this fall with a Fall Fun event at the Washburn Tot Lot on Saturday, September 17 from 10:00–11:30am so save the date! We anticipate the new garden will be completed in May 2023 with our partner, Metro Blooms.

All Are Welcome Here Lawn Signs

Get your All Are Welcome Here lawn sign to support your neighborhood organization and proudly spread the message that ALL are welcome in Armatage!

Signs + stakes are $20 each and your tax-deductible donation goes to supporting the ANA’s work in the community. Order online here.

Free Summer Meals for Kids & Teens

Kids and teens 18 years old and younger can receive nutritious meals and snacks free of charge at parks (including Armatage Park!), libraries, other community spaces this summer!

Visit https://cws.mpls.k12.mn.us/community_park_menus to find community sites or download the Free Meals for Kids app. These free meals and snacks are part of Minneapolis Public Schools’s participation in the federally funded Summer Food Service Program (SFSP). Photo credit: Star Tribune

Library Social Justice Book Club

Did you know that the Hennepin County Library System has a Social Justice Book Club? Come together virtually with others in the community who are interested in diversity, equity, and inclusion, and in transforming perceptions. For each book chosen, you will talk about the book and its relevance to us now. Hosted by the Golden Valley Library and held virtually (and there are plenty of ebook copies available to check out for free).

This month’s event happens on July 25 and features An Indigenous Peoples’ History of the United States by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz. You can sign up for this event here: Social Justice Book Club | Events | Hennepin County Library (bibliocommons.com)

Take Climate Action and Equity Plan Survey

Minneapolis is working to reduce the impact of climate change. With a 10-year update to the 2013 Climate Action Plan, the City needs your help to meet its ambitious goals: eliminating carbon emissions and improving the daily lives of residents, particularly those most impacted by changes in our climate.

Fill out the Climate Action Plan survey, contact us at sustainability@minneapolismn.gov.

Every Other Week Yard Waste Collection

Yard waste collection is now every other week due to a Solid Waste & Recycling staff shortage. Please plan to….

  • Leave properly prepared yard waste at your curb or alley line until it’s collected if you can.
  • Call the Solid Waste & Recycling office at 612-673-2917 if your yard waste has not been picked up for more than two weeks.

For more details and a map of the changes, visit https://www.minneapolismn.gov/resident-services/garbage-recycling-cleanup/yard-waste/yard-waste-collection-map/

Create Meals, Not Waste: Join the Stop Food Waste Challenge

We love food, which leaves us wondering: why do we let so much of it go to waste? About 40% of food is wasted somewhere along the supply chain, and you may be surprised to learn that much of that food waste happens at home. Here in Hennepin County, we throw away enough edible food each year to fill Target Field 1.5 times!

Join Hennepin County’s online Stop Food Waste Challenge to learn easy, practical skills that will help you stop wasting food, put more money in your pocket, and create a healthier environment. Even better, taking steps to reduce food waste is one of the most important actions we can take to address climate change.

The challenge goes from August 1 through August 31. Join the challenge now at hennepinfoodwaste.ecochallenge.org.

Minneapolis Music & Movies in the Park

Enjoy free movies, music, performances, art and games outdoors this summer with the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, Hennepin County, and the Peavey Plaza Performing Arts Series.

Home Help MN – Apply by August 17

If you’ve fallen behind on your mortgage, property taxes, insurance, association fees or lot rent because of COVID, you can now to apply for the State’s Home Help MN program. Visit https://homehelpmn.org to learn more and get your application started.

COVID-19 Vaccines and Testing

Vaccines: find vaccines for kids ages 6 months and up and boosters at mn.gov/vaccine (click on the Vaccine Locator Map). Learn more about  boosters here.

Free Rapid Tests: order free rapid tests at https://www.covid.gov/tests or at https://mn.gov/covid19/  Ordering takes just a couple minutes.

Graphic with a blue background and coral flowers that says "Donate Today. The Armatage Neighborhood Association is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit."

Enjoy the eNews? Support Our Work

The Armatage Neighborhood Association works to make Armatage a place where all are welcome, empowered, and connected through safety initiatives, community-building events, environmental work, advocacy and communications that keep you informed and engaged.

Big or small, EVERY donation matters!  Give today at www.givemn.org/organization/Armatage-Neighborhood-Association  As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, every donation to the ANA is tax-deductible and eligible for an employer match.

Armatage Summer Jam

Armatage Summer Jam Thank You

Thanks for another great event! We are so grateful to celebrate our community and the awesome folks in it!  Huge thanks to our sponsors, The Dental Specialists Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry, Sandy Cleland of RE/MAX Results and Kim Herring of Edina Realty!

Armatage Summer Jam

Don’t miss the best neighborhood event of the summer! Bring your appetite, friends and family, and a picnic blanket or lawn chair and come to Armatage Park for a great night of community including:

Organized by our own Armatage Community Engagement Committee! In case of rain, food trucks will be outside and music and actitivies will move inside the community center!

Table at the Event

There’s still time to sign up to table at Summer Jam. Please click here to learn more and sign up.

July 19, 2022 Agenda

July 19 Meeting Agenda

Come one, come all to the Armatage Monthly Meeting next Tuesday, July 19 at 6:30pm, outside at Armatage Park!  Our meetings now kick off with comments from community members and we’d love to have you attend and share your thoughts and ideas! You are welcome to stay and participate throughout the meeting, too. Please bring your own chair if possible and find us near the playground (kids are welcome to play while adults meet). In case of rain, we’ll move indoors (masks recommended).

  • Welcome and Introductions (6:30pm)
  • Comments from the Community (6:35pm)
  • Ward 13 Update – Council Vice President Linea Palmisano (6:45pm)
  • Park Update & New Park Director, Dillon Clements (7:05pm)
  • ANA Events & Program Debrief Continued (7:15pm)
  • Fall Fun at the Washburn Tot Lot Event (7:35pm)
  • Approval of Minutes & Financials (7:45pm)
  • President’s Report (7:50pm)
  • Coordinator Report (8:00pm)
  • Committee Updates (8:05pm)
  • New Business (8:15pm)

We also have a couple open neighborhood board seats so if you’re interested in learning more or are a “do-er” and want to dive right in, please come to next week’s meeting or email us at anacoordinator@armatage.org!

July 7, 2022 eNews

Sponsor Armatage Summer Jam

Showcase your company’s name to thousands of neighbors and community members at Armatage Summer Jam! The event will include six food trucks, a live band and other family friendly activities and games. To make this event a success, we are looking for local businesses to sponsor and are offering a wide range of options to support at various investment levels.

By sponsoring the event, you’ll have the opportunity to reach the Armatage community through event advertising including our local newsletter (reaches nearly 5,000 residents), website and social media. Additionally, there will be acknowledgement of sponsors at the event on August 6.  To learn more about the sponsorship opportunities available, please click here.

Support Local Businesses

Several Penn Ave businesses were vandalized or burglarized this past weekend. You can help by shopping local and supporting Sparrow Cafe, Dreadlocks for Dingoes, Cindy’s Barber Shop and any other business you know that sustained damage.

New Washburn Tot Lot Pollinator Garden

The ANA is so excited to announce that we have received grant funding from the State of Minnesota’s Lawns to Legumes Neighborhood Demonstration Program and the Minneapolis People for Parks Foundation to fund a pollinator garden at the Washburn Tot Lot!  The new garden will be installed along the alley to provide a safe, beautiful barrier that will benefit our community and local pollinators.

Community engagement will begin this fall with a pop-up event at the Washburn Tot Lot on Saturday, September 17 from 10:00–11:30am and and we anticipate the new garden will be completed in May 2023 with our partner, Metro Blooms.

All Are Welcome Here Lawn Signs

Get your All Are Welcome Here lawn sign to support your neighborhood organization and proudly spread the message that ALL are welcome in Armatage!

Signs + stakes are $20 each and your tax-deductible donation goes to supporting the ANA’s work in the community. Order online here.

Free Summer Meals for Kids & Teens

Kids and teens 18 years old and younger can receive nutritious meals and snacks free of charge at parks (including Armatage Park!), libraries, other community spaces this summer!

Visit https://cws.mpls.k12.mn.us/community_park_menus to find community sites or download the Free Meals for Kids app. These free meals and snacks are part of Minneapolis Public Schools’s participation in the federally funded Summer Food Service Program (SFSP). Photo credit: Star Tribune

Library Social Justice Book Club

Did you know that the Hennepin County Library System has a Social Justice Book Club? Come together virtually with others in the community who are interested in diversity, equity, and inclusion, and in transforming perceptions. For each book chosen, you will talk about the book and its relevance to us now. Hosted by the Golden Valley Library and held virtually (and there are plenty of ebook copies available to check out for free).

This month’s event happens on July 25 and features An Indigenous Peoples’ History of the United States by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz. You can sign up for this event here: Social Justice Book Club | Events | Hennepin County Library (bibliocommons.com)

Take Climate Action and Equity Plan Survey

Minneapolis is working to reduce the impact of climate change. With a 10-year update to the 2013 Climate Action Plan, the City needs your help to meet its ambitious goals: eliminating carbon emissions and improving the daily lives of residents, particularly those most impacted by changes in our climate.

Fill out the Climate Action Plan survey, contact us at sustainability@minneapolismn.gov.

Every Other Week Yard Waste Collection

Yard waste collection is now every other week due to a Solid Waste & Recycling staff shortage. Please plan to….

  • Leave properly prepared yard waste at your curb or alley line until it’s collected if you can.
  • Call the Solid Waste & Recycling office at 612-673-2917 if your yard waste has not been picked up for more than two weeks.

For more details and a map of the changes, visit https://www.minneapolismn.gov/resident-services/garbage-recycling-cleanup/yard-waste/yard-waste-collection-map/

Create Meals, Not Waste: Join the Stop Food Waste Challenge

We love food, which leaves us wondering: why do we let so much of it go to waste? About 40% of food is wasted somewhere along the supply chain, and you may be surprised to learn that much of that food waste happens at home. Here in Hennepin County, we throw away enough edible food each year to fill Target Field 1.5 times!

Join Hennepin County’s online Stop Food Waste Challenge to learn easy, practical skills that will help you stop wasting food, put more money in your pocket, and create a healthier environment. Even better, taking steps to reduce food waste is one of the most important actions we can take to address climate change.

The challenge goes from August 1 through August 31. Join the challenge now at hennepinfoodwaste.ecochallenge.org.

Minneapolis Music & Movies in the Park

Enjoy free movies, music, performances, art and games outdoors this summer with the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, Hennepin County, and the Peavey Plaza Performing Arts Series.

Home Help MN – Apply by August 17

If you’ve fallen behind on your mortgage, property taxes, insurance, association fees or lot rent because of COVID, you can now to apply for the State’s Home Help MN program. Visit https://homehelpmn.org to learn more and get your application started.

COVID-19 Vaccines and Testing

Vaccines: find vaccines for kids ages 6 months and up and boosters at mn.gov/vaccine (click on the Vaccine Locator Map). Learn more about  boosters here.

Free Rapid Tests: order free rapid tests at https://www.covid.gov/tests or at https://mn.gov/covid19/  Ordering takes just a couple minutes.

Graphic with a blue background and coral flowers that says "Donate Today. The Armatage Neighborhood Association is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit."

Enjoy the eNews? Support Our Work

The Armatage Neighborhood Association works to make Armatage a place where all are welcome, empowered, and connected through safety initiatives, community-building events, environmental work, advocacy and communications that keep you informed and engaged.

Big or small, EVERY donation matters!  Give today at www.givemn.org/organization/Armatage-Neighborhood-Association  As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, every donation to the ANA is tax-deductible and eligible for an employer match.

Fall Recycling Event

E-Waste Recycling & Paper Shredding Event

The ANA is co-sponsoring an upcoming e-waste and paper shredding recycling event at Mayflower Church! Please enter the parking lot via Diamond Lake Road and exit onto Stevens Ave and look for friendly volunteers to help you unload.

Accepted Items

Bring the following items for safe recycling AND data destruction (here’s the full list):

  • Documents with sensitive info for shredding
  • TVs (all kinds and sizes)
  • Computers
  • Tablets
  • Phones (all kinds)
  • Peripherals (cords, computer parts, keyboards, etc.)
  • Small appliances (lamps, fans, vacuums, small kitchen appliances, etc.)

**Friendly reminder that Mpls Solid Waste & Recycling customers can also set out two electronics items every week and recycle paper in their blue cart for no extra fee!** At this event, you’ll be able to shred and recycle confidential documents and recycle electronics AND have secure data destruction.

Suggested Donation

Donations of $5 happily accepted, or $5 + $5 if you want to sponsor a neighbor, to help us cover Tech Dump and Paper Shredding fees and other event costs. No one will be turned away. Cash and cards will be accepted on-site.

Help for Seniors & Residents with Disabilities

The ANA Green Team will offer a limited pick-up service for seniors and residents with disabilities. Your items must be ready for pick-up outside your residence. You can register for pickup of your e-waste at https://bit.ly/TechDumpPickup or call us at 612-466-0296 to sign up.

June 23, 2022 eNews

June 21 Meeting Recap

The ANA met outdoors at Armatage Park this week to re-elect Vice President Sharla McIntosh-Ziegler, Treasurer Judy Vecere, and Secretary Nikki Lindberg and approve a new meeting code of conduct. The Board planned its summer newsletter, discussed recruiting more neighbors to join the board (there are a few open seats!), debriefed on spring and early summer events and programs, and approved funds for upcoming events including a replacement pop-up tent.

We have a few open neighborhood board seats so if you’re interested in learning more or are a “do-er” and want to dive right in, please email us at anacoordinator@armatage.org

Sponsor Armatage Summer Jam

Showcase your company’s name to thousands of neighbors and community members at Armatage Summer Jam! The event will include six food trucks, a live band and other family friendly activities and games. To make this event a success, we are looking for local businesses to sponsor and are offering a wide range of options to support at various investment levels.

By sponsoring the event, you’ll have the opportunity to reach the Armatage Community through event advertising including our local newsletter (reaches nearly 5,000 residents), website and social media. Additionally, there will be acknowledgement of sponsors at the event on August 6.  To learn more about the sponsorship opportunities available, please click here.

Apply for Pollinator or Rain Garden

We are now accepting applications for this year’s Pollinator & Rain Garden Program, which has received funding from the State of Minnesota’s Lawns to Legumes Neighborhood Demonstration Program!

All are welcome to apply. Slots are competitive and the subsidy and support will vary. Most participants can expect to pay $300 – $400 for their garden (about a $2000 value!). This year we are also able to offer several scholarship gardens; qualifying residents will pay a $50 consultation fee with NO other costs. Learn more and apply at  armatage.org/programs/rain-gardens/

All Are Welcome Here Lawn Signs

Get your All Are Welcome Here lawn sign to support your neighborhood organization and proudly spread the message that ALL are welcome in Armatage!

Signs + stakes are $20 each and your tax-deductible donation goes to supporting the ANA’s work in the community. Order online here.


Yard Waste Collection Moving to Every Other Week

As of this week, yard waste pickup will change from weekly to every other week for Armatage to adjust for a Solid Waste & Recycling staff shortage. Going forward, please plan to….

  • Leave properly prepared yard waste at their curb or alley line until it’s collected if they can.
  • Call the Solid Waste & Recycling office at 612-673-2917 if their yard waste has not been picked up for more than two weeks.

For more details and a map of the changes, visit www.minneapolismn.gov/resident-services/garbage-recycling-cleanup/yard-waste/yard-waste-collection-map/


Happy Pride Month!

June is LGBTQ+ Pride Month—a time to recognize and celebrate Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer + communities, honor the history of Pride, and commit to working together to ensure continued progress.

The origins of Pride Month are deeply rooted in community and political activism. The historic Stonewall uprising that took place the morning of June 28, 1969 served as a galvanizing event. The Stonewall Uprising was a series of clashes between police and LGBTQ+ protesters that stretched over six days. It was not the first time police raided a gay bar, and it was not the first time LGBTQ+ people fought back, but the events that would unfold over the next six days would fundamentally change the nature of LGBTQ+ activism in the United States.

One year later, to commemorate the riots, thousands of marchers took to the New York City streets in the nation’s first gay pride march. In 1978, what is perhaps the most recognized symbol of Gay Pride, the rainbow flag, made its debut at the San Francisco event. Thanks to decades of tireless advocacy, LGBTQ+ people now hold visible leadership roles in local, state, and federal government; can openly serve in the U.S. Military; and legally marry in all 50 states. This includes our current Minneapolis City Council President, Andrea Jenkins.

Celebrate Pride Month in Minneapolis with several events include Family Fun Day, the annual Pride Celebration & Parade and more listed at https://tcpride.org/events/category/tcpride-2022-events/   Huge thanks to Sheila Dingels for this article!


Check Lake Water Quality

We’re sharing this handy website to check our Minneapolis lake water quality. With the recent blue green algal blooms that are toxic to people and pets in Lake Harriet and Lake Hiawatha, keep this site bookmarked and check for water advisories before heading to the lake: MPRB Lake Water Quality Map.

Free Puppet Show This Sunday

We’re sharing this fun puppet show co-hosted by local business Kid A at Lake Monster Brewing this Sunday, June 26 from 12:00–2:00pm. Admission is free. Tables are first come first serve, so feel free to bring a blanket and/or chairs to watch the show. 

The story – Tucker is a young boy who needs to go back in time to face a group of neighborhood bullies. How do you go back in time? With a time-traveling robot, of course! Together, Tucker and his robot discover the importance of friendship and the courage to face bullies. Full of surprises, a little danger and some really funny characters. Contains puppetry, live music, and fun for families and children of all ages. Learn more here.

Tangletown 4th of July

Our friends in the Tangletown Neighborhood are hosting their annual 4th of July event and you’re invite!  Join in the free fun with a short kids parade, live music from Roe Family Singers, food trucks, kids’ activities, and a free festival at Fuller Park on July 4th.

Event Webpage: https://tangletown.org/4th/

Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/442516103961631

Minneapolis Music & Movies in the Park

Enjoy free movies, music, performances, art and games outdoors this summer with the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, Hennepin County, and the Peavey Plaza Performing Arts Series.

Home Help MN

If you’ve fallen behind on your mortgage, property taxes, insurance, association fees or lot rent because of COVID, you can now apply for the State’s Home Help MN program. Visit https://homehelpmn.org to learn more and tap the “Apply Now” button.

July 1 Minimum Wage Increase

On July 1, 2022, the minimum wage in Minneapolis is going up to $13.50 at small businesses (100 or fewer employees) and $15 at large businesses (more than 100 employees). Increases in Minneapolis’ minimum wage directly benefit tens of thousands of families and the economy. For more information about the ordinance, visit the City’s website.

The City’s Department of Civil Rights oversees enforcement of the municipal minimum wage and wage theft prevention ordinances, and workers are encouraged to report violations online. Tips and gratuities do not count toward payment of a minimum wage.

Hennepin County Deconstruction Grants Available

Hennepin County is offering deconstruction grants again this year AND they’ve expanded the program.  Learn more and apply at https://www.hennepin.us/building-reuse for one of the following:

  • Residential Grants: funding up to $5,000 per project for residential properties built prior to 1970 to deconstruct building materials for reuse.
  • Commercial Grants: funding up to $10,000 per project for commercial properties, including multi-family apartment buildings over 4 units, to deconstruct building materials for reuse.
  • Structural Move Grants: funding up to $15,000 to physically relocate a building to another location, avoiding demolition waste and preserving the cultural and historical integrity of the building
  • Used Building Materials Grants: a new grant to “close the loop” by funding remodel, renovation, and new construction projects up to $5,000 per project that incorporate used building materials into project designs.

COVID-19 Vaccines and Testing

Vaccines: if you haven’t been vaccinated or gotten a booster yet, get a free vaccine as soon as you can. Visit mn.gov/vaccine to use the Vaccine Locator Map (more options listed below). Learn more about  boosters here.

Free Rapid Tests: you can now order a 3rd round of free tests at https://www.covid.gov/tests And free rapid tests are also available at https://mn.gov/covid19/  Ordering takes just a couple minutes.

Graphic with a blue background and coral flowers that says "Donate Today. The Armatage Neighborhood Association is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit."
Enjoy the eNews? Support Our Work

The Armatage Neighborhood Association works to make Armatage a place where all are welcome, empowered, and connected through safety initiatives, community-building events, environmental work, advocacy and communications that keep you informed and engaged.

Big or small, EVERY donation matters!  Give today at www.givemn.org/organization/Armatage-Neighborhood-Association  As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, every donation to the ANA is tax-deductible and eligible for an employer match.

Code of Conduct Policy

Armatage Neighborhood Association Code of Conduct

(The Code of Conduct is a work in process. The lack of a reference to particular conduct should not be construed as indicating ANA’s acceptance of such conduct.)

As a neighborhood organization, ANA strives to be as welcoming and inclusive as possible for all members, and to represent ourselves well to those living outside of our borders. In particular, the public conduct of those visibly associated with ANA (Board, staff, volunteers) can positively or negatively reflect on ANA, impacting our reputation and the good will needed to thrive.

ANA formally functions as a nonprofit while also being situated within a larger City of Minneapolis structure that provides funding for neighborhoods. Each status demands that ANA operates with consistently high ethical standards and maintains positive and respectful relationships, internally and publicly. When operating as intended, ANA necessarily exercises the democratic expression of its neighborhood membership and makes decisions in regard to policy and allocation of funding. While differences of opinions, values, or broad political outlook are inevitable within a membership such as ANA’s that is defined solely by geography, the welcomed expression of diverse viewpoints should actively be encouraged as that typically provides the most productive means for informed decision-making and ideal democratic inclusiveness. However, it is critical that ANA members – and in particular those most visibly associated – do not in their own public expression1 denigrate or make unwelcome any other participant.

Accordingly, the following is prohibited by ANA:

1) Violence or threat of violence.

2) Sexual harassment, as defined by the City of Minneapolis for its own workforce.

3) Personal or implied threat against another, directly or through harassment, intimidation, or retaliation, whether specified or made implicit through tone, manner, or content.

4) Comments denigrating to, or harassing of, identified groups, such as those recognized by the Minneapolis Civil Rights ordinance or which violate Minneapolis’ anti-discrimination policies.

5) Disparaging comments about one or more individuals in or associated with ANA, or connected to ANA through organizational activity or relationships.

6) Activity not in accordance with federal, state, or local law, or in violation of ANA’s bylaws or purposes and values, or which causes harm to ANA’s reputation or function.

For the purposes of 5), naming individuals with whom there is disagreement is permitted so long as there is good faith effort to state the disagreed-with person’s views fairly and without personal attack, animus, or shaming. While organizing opposition to another ANA member’s role or views is consistent with a democratic body, under no circumstances should such opposition be done in a manner which divulges personal contact information and/or directly or indirectly encourages or incites personal harassment.

1) Public expression includes, but is not limited to, the tone, manner, or content of statements made: at a AA event or meeting; at a public event; to media; via electronic communication that is not private.

Approved June 21, 2022