Neighbors helping neighbors with Do Good Roseville
Acting quickly to respond to community needs
The recent chaos and concern around federal immigration actions in the Twin Cities has left Kathy Ramundt overwhelmed at times.
But she’s also hopeful and inspired.
Ramundt—co-founder of Do Good Roseville—says she has had hundreds of people contact her organization, looking for ways to help their neighbors.
“More people want to volunteer than I have things for them to do,” Ramundt said last week just before the massive “Ice Out of Minnesota” protest in downtown Minneapolis. Do Good Roseville promoted neighborhood demonstrations on Roseville intersections as an alternative.
“What we’re good at is connecting people,” says Ramundt, who is working up a list of other organizations that need volunteer help. “Sharing information so that people know what to do is what we’re best at.”
As it comes together, Ramundt says there’s much to consider.
Some volunteers—such as those who monitor ICE movements and issue alerts—require special training. Most of those training programs have been filled for now, Ramundt says.
And Do Good hears from people who want to deliver food to families afraid to leave their homes, she says. There are security concerns since it can be dangerous for people accepting food.
Ramundt says she has heard of immigration officials using food delivery as bait to get people to open their doors.
But there are many ways people can pitch in and help.
Ramundt suggests gift cards for schools, which are hubs for collecting food and supplies to deliver to students’ families. A recent drive collected $3,000 in gift cards and $13,000 in donations, she says. This was outside school-directed efforts.
She’d like to see volunteers “adopt-a-teacher” and provide support.
Families in isolation need help with laundry. Kids could use craft and activity supplies.
Do Good Roseville has urged churches to join a “Friendly Faith Food Face-off,” a challenge to collect food donations. The group’s Facebook page is updated often with actions and suggestions such as how to contact lawmakers and the recent vigils following the ICE killing of Alex Pretti on Jan. 24.
Do Good Roseville is also looking into mutual aid for families that fear leaving their homes and are struggling with rent and utilities.
Do Good Roseville started assembling “whistle kits,” bags of plastic whistles that are used to call attention to ICE activities. Now there’s a “production team” doing that work, Ramundt says.
The recent shift to social activism “isn’t what we envisioned when we started,” Ramundt says, “but we’re well-positioned to help.”
Roseville Cares
Ramundt started Do Good Roseville in 2015 when she wanted to—as the name says—do something good in the community. It started with a collection to get warm coats, hats and mittens for people in need. The group’s work expanded to a discussion series, social events and partnering with other civic organizations on events such as the annual “Roseville Cares” week.
This year, Roseville Cares week is Jan. 31 - Feb. 8. Ramundt intended to organize lots of different volunteer opportunities for residents to participate in, but has put all that on hold given the current pressing need to support the immigrant community.
"I'd just like to acknowledge the extraordinary community response to the ICE invasion as a demonstration to how much Roseville does care for our neighbors," Ramundt said.
The Roseville Area Optimist Club is partnering with Do Good Roseville to host a meal for First Responders next week. There's also an opportunity to donate toward a Roseville Cares Scholarship which will be administered by the Roseville Area High School Scholarship Committee.
"The goal was to spur those who don't usually volunteer to do something and we're certainly seeing that happen," Ramundt said.
Acting Quickly
Do Good Roseville organized a demonstration on the Hamline Ave bridge across Highway 36 on Jan. 28. | photo credit: first photo courtesy of Do Good Roseville; second photo by Kathy Berdan for The Roseville Reader
Ramundt is proud of Do Good Roseville’s ability to be nimble. She urges people to act quickly.
“Stuff is moving at the speed of light,” she says. “If you can’t start tomorrow, then at least by 10 a.m. the next day.
“Whether an event draws five, 50 or 100 people, we never care who shows up at our stuff. Just do things. All we’re really giving up is our time.”
Ramundt tells people who want to help to look at their skills and consider how they can bring expertise to volunteering.
“If you don’t know what to do, talk to friends and smart people,” she says. “There’s something that every person can do.”
All the offers to help make Ramundt optimistic.
“It gives me hope—ultimately we will win," Ramundt said. “But there’s a lot of damage in the meantime.”
Look for more ways to get involved on Do Good Roseville’s website and Facebook page.
Naomi Krueger
Naomi Krueger
