💜 Can I ask you for $5?

Hi friends.

It’s been a minute since I’ve been in your inbox.

Well, almost two months’ worth of minutes. 😅

I didn’t plan on taking this long break, but life had other plans.

Since January, I’ve personally been navigating one personal hurdle after the next, including an emergency surgery and the start of chemotherapy treatments for my sweet dog, Theo, whose picture closes each one of these issues. And yes, it’s just as heartbreaking as you’d imagine.

As challenging as my personal life has been, though, it’s nothing compared to what my city -- Minneapolis -- has been facing.

We’ve been training as first responders, delivering groceries through secret underground networks, patrolling schools for children’s safety, marching (and singing) in the streets, and using our phones to film injustices you’d never imagine seeing first-hand.

For those of you who are interested in hearing more about my lived experience of this federal occupation, don't worry -- I plan to share more in a future issue.

It feels weird to say, but I’ve learned more about rapid culture change in the last few weeks than I can begin to articulate. They are lessons I wish I didn’t have to learn this way, but I also believe they need to be documented and shared.

What Matters Most Today

Today, I’m reaching out for one reason only: to ask for your help.

Specifically a $5 micro-donation.

Vulnerable Minneapolis residents are facing a March rent crisis. And I’d like your help in providing support.

These are individuals and families who’ve been forced to shelter at home for almost three months now.

They ARE NOT criminals, they are U.S.-BORN CITIZENS who are terrified to open their blinds, walk the dog, or even take their garbage to the end of the driveway -- let alone go to work or school.

And what they need most right now is to keep a roof over their head.

To not lose their one safe space.

My Ask of You

I am collecting donations that will be given directly to those in need of rent support thanks to the hard work of Ashley Fairbanks and Stand with Minnesota. My goal is to raise $3,000 to directly provide rent for 1-2 families.

If you’re reading this, I’m asking you to please send me $5 towards this goal right now.

This is my personal Venmo. The last four digits of my phone number are 9371, but you can also select “pay without confirming.” 

Every single dollar I collect between now and Monday (2/23) will be sent to rent relief.

If you can send more, amazing! Please do.

But I know that if even half of this newsletter community donated just $5, we’d meet our goal.

I hope you’ll be in the half that helps us collectively meet this need.

If you’re wondering why I don’t just personally donate the money, I have. Those of us with the financial means here in Minnesota have been doing just that for three months now, and we’re reaching our personal limits.

It’s why I’ve finally decided to turn to this community and ask for more help.

Yes, I write a newsletter about creating better workplaces. But, at its core, it’s always been about people.

And if I’m right, your general care for people and humanity is a big part of why my writing appeals to you.

So this is me, a lifelong helper, reaching out to my network of helpers for support.

The Time Is Now

Skip the Friday coffee and Venmo me $5 to help keep my community safe.

While I hope it doesn’t come to it, I promise we’ll return the favor when your community is directly targeted.

To being Minnesota Neighborly,
Jill

P.S. f*ck ice

P.P.S. I’m here on the ground in Minneapolis and highly involved. If you have questions about where else to donate, how to begin preparing your community now, or what things you need to consider from a people ops perspective, please don’t hesitate to hit reply. I’ll do my best to get you pointed in the right direction.

P.P.P.S. The beginning of the year is when I usually talk about our core business offering, Training for the Modern Manager. If providing better people manager support or training in 2026 is a priority at your organization, I would absolutely love to connect and hear about your needs and plans.

Things We’re Loving Right Now

Mutual aid isn’t charity. More than ever, we need to understand what mutual aid is and how it got its start. As this article states, “Many communities, particularly immigrant communities of color, have always followed mutual aid ideology.” Listen and learn, because this practice has deep roots that we can all benefit from understanding. Want to really dig in? I highly recommend grabbing a copy of this book. 

A dance worth crying over. Lots of things have made me cry lately, but this tribute in particular. On Presidents’ Day, a team of Broadway and former Kennedy Center dancers staged a performance honoring Renee Good and Alex Pretti. It’s a must-watch. 

To keep going, we have to take care of ourselves. While this is always good advice, it’s been particularly meaningful to my Minnesota community these past few months. We’re giving everything we have, and it still doesn’t feel like enough. I’ve personally doubled-down on finding the micro-joys, like my 4-year old nephew singing and dancing along to Pink Pony Club. I highly suggest you join me in searching for joy amidst the grief.