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State Innovation Exchange @stateinnovation.org · 14h

What does commitment to rural communities look like?

MN Rep. David Gottfried now knows it's about improving market and land access, especially for small- and medium-sized farmers. At SiX, we connect legislators with communities so they can hear their needs directly.

#FarmAid40 #RuralDevelopment

State Innovation Exchange @stateinnovation.org · 18h

What happens when rural leaders lead?

At #FarmAid40, we facilitated a panel rooted in rural experience + local solutions w/IL Rep Sonya Harper, IA Rep @meganforiowa.bsky.social, Liz from the IL Stewardship Alliance, and Aaron from the IA Farmers Union.

A huge thanks to our panelists and attendees!

State Innovation Exchange @stateinnovation.org · 22h

You have to talk to the people when you're trying to work for the people.

During our #FarmAid40 visit, @kadyn-wittman.bsky.social shared with us how working with SiX has changed how she does policy. Thank you, Rep. Wittman, for your time and collaboration!

#StateInnovationExchange #StatePower

State Innovation Exchange @stateinnovation.org · 1d

“She didn’t want anyone to tell us what to do with our hopes and dreams — especially not our bodies.”

IL Sen. Celina Villanueva’s (@senatorcelina.bsky.social) fight for reproductive justice is rooted in generational legacy, identity & love.

#HispanicHeritageMonth #ReproJustice

State Innovation Exchange @stateinnovation.org · 1d

“It’s not about the title. It’s about the perspective we bring into public service.”

Texas Rep. Linda Garcia reminds us that leadership rooted in lived experience is powerful and necessary!

#HispanicHeritageMonth #HHM #ReproJustice

State Innovation Exchange @stateinnovation.org · 1d

Heritage = Action

“HHM reminds us of our resilience, culture, and impact. We reaffirm our commitment to economic, social, and reproductive justice.” – Rep. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz

She’s leading PA’s Latino Caucus to make sure our communities are seen, heard, and represented.

#HispanicHeritageMonth

State Innovation Exchange @stateinnovation.org · 2d

@andysmithmn.bsky.social @davidgottfried.bsky.social @levinforiowa.bsky.social @emilydievendorf.bsky.social @brotherjones.bsky.social @kadyn-wittman.bsky.social @pursell4mnhouse.bsky.social @meganforiowa.bsky.social @reprickhansen.bsky.social @verostaterep10.bsky.social

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State Innovation Exchange @stateinnovation.org · 2d

Huge thanks to everyone who made this experience possible, and to the farmers who remind us that a brighter, more livable rural future is within reach when we work together ❤️🌾

#FarmAid #SustainableFarming

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State Innovation Exchange @stateinnovation.org · 2d

This visit was part of our #FarmAid40 trip, where SiX connected state leaders with the people directly impacted by the policies they shape. Because lasting solutions start with listening.

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State Innovation Exchange @stateinnovation.org · 2d

Hosted by Shea-Lynn, Martin, Matt, and Zach, we heard powerful stories about the realities of family farming, the challenges to sustainable practices, and the hopes for a more livable rural America.

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State Innovation Exchange @stateinnovation.org · 2d

Two weeks ago, we had the pleasure of welcoming legislators and advocacy partners to Flying J Farm in Minnesota, a sixth-generation family farm rooted in care for people, animals, and the land.

#FarmAid #RuralDevelopment

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State Innovation Exchange @stateinnovation.org · 3d

“I’m proud to be a Latina—and I’ll keep fighting for our right to choose when to grow our families.” – @senanaliseortiz.bsky.social

During #HispanicHeritageMonth, we’re celebrating Latine leaders defending dignity + reproductive freedom in every statehouse.

#LatinaLeadership #ReproductiveJustice

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State Innovation Exchange @stateinnovation.org · 5d

“My commitment to reproductive rights is tied to my Hispanic heritage, where generations of women fought for the dignity to choose.” - RI Rep. Karen Alzate @karenalzate.bsky.social

This #HispanicHeritageMonth, we uplift leaders advancing equity + culturally competent care.

#HHM #ReproJustice

State Innovation Exchange @stateinnovation.org · 5d

“Repro justice means raising families in safe, healthy communities, without fear of surveillance or separation.” WA Sen. @rebeccasaldana1.bsky.social

This #HispanicHeritageMonth, we uplift Latine leaders defending dignity, freedom & family.

#HHM #ReproductiveJustice

State Innovation Exchange @stateinnovation.org · 6d

@andysmithmn.bsky.social @levinforiowa.bsky.social @emilydievendorf.bsky.social @brotherjones.bsky.social @kadyn-wittman.bsky.social @pursell4mnhouse.bsky.social @meganforiowa.bsky.social @reprickhansen.bsky.social @verostaterep10.bsky.social

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State Innovation Exchange @stateinnovation.org · 6d

Big thanks to @mwfarmersofcolor.bsky.social for welcoming us and sharing your work.

This visit is one more step in building the courage, capacity, and coordination to move meaningful agricultural justice policy forward.

#FarmAid40 #FoodJustice #LandAccess #BIPOCFarmers

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State Innovation Exchange @stateinnovation.org · 6d

Legislators came ready to listen and learn, and heard loud and clear that land access remains the #1 barrier for new and BIPOC farmers.

We’re proud to support leaders and lawmakers who are showing up in the field, not just at the Capitol.

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State Innovation Exchange @stateinnovation.org · 6d

From long-term land leases to policy advocacy and farmer-led education, MFCC is building the systems our communities deserve, that are just, sustainable, and grounded in cultural and economic survival.

This is the future of food.

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State Innovation Exchange @stateinnovation.org · 6d

MFCC isn’t just growing food. They’re growing community power.

Over 130 BIPOC farmers, growers, and land protectors across the Midwest are organizing together for land access, food sovereignty, and public investment in the people who feed us.

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State Innovation Exchange @stateinnovation.org · 6d

We spent the morning at Kilimo Farms with @mwfarmersofcolor.bsky.social during our @farmaid.org 40-legislator delegation and left with full hearts, fresh veggies, and a deeper understanding of what farming for justice really looks like.

A few 📸 from the visit:

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State Innovation Exchange @stateinnovation.org · 6d

Rep. @brotherjones.bsky.social tried the kale (10/10), toured the farm, and talked with @mwfarmersofcolor.bsky.social about their biggest challenges.

Top issue: land access, especially for young and BIPOC farmers trying to build something for the long haul.

#FarmAid40 #LandAccess #BlackFarmers

State Innovation Exchange @stateinnovation.org · 7d

“Nuestra herencia es nuestra fuerza, and our choices are our own.” – TX Rep. Mary E. González

This #HispanicHeritageMonth, we celebrate culture and the fight for dignity + self-determination.

#NuestraHerenciaEsNuestraFuerza #HHM

Reposted by State Innovation Exchange

Population Connection Action Fund @popconnectaction.bsky.social · 8d

The U.S. stepping back from global human rights accountability is unacceptable. As countries gather for today’s #HRC Item 6 General Debate in Geneva, the world will notice our absence. We stand committed to advancing #HumanRights at home. #UPR @stateinnovation.org

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State Innovation Exchange @stateinnovation.org · 7d

“As a Latina TX legislator, I proudly honor the rich heritage of the Hispanic community—and I’m proud to defend reproductive freedom.” – Rep. Ana-María Ramos @anamariafortexas.com

This #HispanicHeritageMonth, we're uplifting Latine leaders who lead with heart and fight for our rights!

State Innovation Exchange @stateinnovation.org · 8d

"Dignity and freedom." That's what drives MD Del. Joseline Peña-Melnyk's fight for rights. This #HispanicHeritageMonth, we honor leaders whose heritage is a blueprint for justice. Defending rights is defending culture. #HHM