June 2026 Newsletter
Building Community Through Partnership
Jennifer Walton
At ACT, we know lasting change happens through relationships. While self-advocates remain at the center of our work, we are grateful for the many organizations, agencies, educational institutions, businesses, and community groups that partner with us to advance disability leadership, inclusion, and justice throughout Minnesota.
One example is our growing partnership with the St. Paul Lions Club through the Growing Together for Greater Impact Initiative. Over the past year, Lions support helped strengthen disability leadership, community connection, and self-advocacy opportunities for St Paul residents through programs such as Coffee Chat, Self-Advocacy Academy, ACT Olmstead Academy, Disability Power Day, and Book Club. We are especially excited to welcome ACT self-advocates into Lions membership and leadership roles while exploring new opportunities for collaboration, including volunteer opportunities throughout the year.
The Lions are just one of many partners helping strengthen disability-led work across Minnesota. ACT is proud to collaborate with organizations including the Institute on Community Integration (ICI) at the University of Minnesota, the Minnesota Department of Human Services, the Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities, the Minnesota State Arts Board, The Arc Minnesota, Open Arts Minnesota, The Arc Northland, Cow Tipping Press, L'Arche Twin Cities, the Minnesota Department of Health, the Minnesota Council on Disability, and many, many others. Together, these partnerships create opportunities for leadership development, systems change, storytelling, education, community organizing, and greater inclusion for people with disabilities.
As we prepare for Disability Pride Festival on July 16, we'll spend next month's newsletter highlighting some of these partnerships, the impact they are having across Minnesota, and ways you can get involved in building more inclusive communities alongside us.
Information here: https://gofund.me/08743228b
The Home Government Association logo.
Question of the Month
Numbers
Question: In 1870 who founded the Home Government Association ?
A.) Daniel O'Connell
B.) John Mitchel
C.) Charles Gavon
D.) Isaac Butt
Check if you got it right! Answer to the Question of the Month at the end of the newsletter!
Nate's Yoga and Meditation
Nate Clark of SAM SW poses for a photo after sharing his transportation story with his city council.
Nate Clark
Nate Clark lives in Manakto, MN and writes a monthly article about self-care and mindfulness:
Here are 5 key examples of self-care:
Physical Activity: Engaging in regular exercise, such as taking a daily walk, doing yoga, or dancing, helps manage stress and boosts mood.
Setting Boundaries: Protecting your energy by saying "no" to extra responsibilities, or limiting time on social media to avoid overwhelm.
Prioritizing Sleep: Establishing a consistent sleep schedule to ensure7–9 hours of rest, which is essential for mental and physical health.
Social Connection: Spending time with friends, family, or loved ones to foster relationships and reduce feelings of isolation.
Mindfulness & Relaxation:Practicing deep breathing, meditation, or journaling to reduce anxiety and increase self-awareness
Other examples include pursuing hobbies, eating a balanced diet, spending time in nature, and scheduling regular "me time".
What is happening in June?
June 1 - Disability Pride Workshop with MRCI Mankato
-12:00-2:30 PM
Emy Frentz
523 S 2nd St, Mankato, MN 56001June 22 - Offshoot Theatre Public Performance
-7:00-8:00 PM
Emy Frentz
523 S 2nd St, Mankato, MN 56001Light refreshments served. ASL provided.
June 23 - Disability Pride Workshop with the UWS Players, People First NU and ARS New Ulm
-5:00-7:30 PM
New Ulm Community Center
600 N German St, New Ulm, MN 56073
Pizza served.
June 25 - Disability Pride Workshop with Aktion Club Theatre of Fairmont
-4:30-6:00 PM
Grace Lutheran Church
110 N 4th St, Mankato, MN 56001
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Also taking place:
-Coffee Chats on Mondays! 10-11AM Virtually!
-Disabled Women's Support Group meets the first Tuesday of each month - 6-7PM!
-Disability Power Day is every Thursday at 10AM!
-Book Club is meeting weekly! 10-11AM on Wednesdays.
-Happy Hour will he hosted at Dual Citizen Brewing on Thursday, June 11th.
-Community Check-In is the last Wednesday of each month!
______________________
ACT Spotlight
Prince Cole
Prince Cole and Agnes Cole pose for a photo together at a DMN event.
Each month ACT interviews someone from our community. This month we checked in with Prince! Prince is a member of the SAM Metro and is a main organizer for the area! Prince also leads book club on Wednesdays.
About Prince:
Coffee, tea, or something else?
- I love Lipton tea
Favorite Animal?
-I love dogs
Passions outside of work
-Coaching soccer, movies, hanging out with family, doing more advocating
Prince Cole and Agnes Cole pose for a photo together at a DMN event.
Creative Corner
Jenny Svihel
Jenny has been an extremely important member of the new newsletter team and could not wait to share her poem with you! Jenny is a part of the SAM Central team and recently graduated from Partners in Policy Making. She is always busy and working hard!
Enjoy her poem:
Completed puzzle that Jenny submitted with her poem.
I'M A PUZZLE PIECE
When I felt lost and didn't feel I belonged
I found myself and my life
inside the puzzle piece
I'M A PUZZLE PIECE
I love doing puzzles, it's fun, enjoyable
and sometimes the puzzle pieces
stick to me like glue.
I'm unique in so many ways and united
with all kinds of different
colors, shapes, and sizes
I'M A PUZZLE PIECE
I AM LOVEABLE, I AM IMPORTANT
I AM VALUABLE, I AM EMPOWERED
I AM AS BEAUTIFUL AS A PUZZLE PIECE
Monthly Vocabulary / Terms to Know
Term asked by Kathy Weaver - Article by Shane Soberg
Term: Ableism
Artwork by Rebekah Anderson
Discrimination or prejudice against individuals with disabilities. (Merriam-Webster. Web. 1 June 2026)
Ableism comes in many forms. Some forms are easier to spot than others. Not choosing someone for a role or part because of a their disability is a blatant example.A less obvious example is the predatory policies that are baked into our societies rules and systems. If a disabled person chooses to get married often their benefits are revoked and they no longer qualify for things they NEED.
Long story short is - we need to identify and challenge ableism on all levels. An inclusive community is best for everyone and ableism is a very real and ongoing threat.
Legislative Update
Prince Cole
At the State Capitol, Minnesota's Legislature is working on a two-year cycle.
2026 is a policy year focused on laws, rules, and systemic changes.
2027 is a budget year focused on funding decisions and related areas.
Let's understand one thing as Self-Advocates: not every priority involves a funding request. Some focus on policy inclusion, accessibility, disability justice, policy reform and changes, awareness, and planning for a better future.
Looking at a few legislative priorities in 2026:
People-centered fraud prevention and enforcement reform
Stabilize home and community supports
Improve access to affordable, high-quality health care
Modernize outdated systems and reduce barriers
Expand accessible, affordable housing and protections
Improve statewide infrastructure access
Continue transitioning away from subminimum wage
2026 Legislative Agenda | Minnesota Council on Disability
As 2026 reaches the middle of the year, the disability community must continue to organize, advocate, and push for stronger protections and equal opportunities for people with disabilities (PWDs). While the passage of SF-3210 was an important step forward, there is still more work to be done to strengthen and protect the rights guaranteed under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Now more than ever, we need self-advocates, disability organizations, allies, and community leaders to stand together and continue fighting for inclusion, accessibility, equity, and justice for all.
Song of the Month
Good Vibes' - Chris Janson
Link to Song - Good Vibes - Chris Janson
Link to Lyrics - Good Vibes - Chris Janson
The song of the month was chosen by Nate. As we enter into summer one thing is important: Good Vibes.
June Wrap-Up!
Thanks for reading along this month! The newsletter will be back on the first Tuesday of each month! If you have any questions, comments or feedback, please reach out to ACT@selfadvocacy.org! We are also always looking for folks to get involved, if you have something you want to share, let us know!
Answer to the Question of the Month: D.) Isaac Butt