The Wealth of the Land
Last week I was able to visit some of the most beautiful areas in the state -- Southeastern Minnesota!
Traversing across county lines, I stopped in Owatonna, Albert Lea, Austin, Harmony, Lanesboro, and Red Wing to make even more connections in our JRLC network.
In college, I took a course in Environmental Studies, and learned about the richness and value of midwestern prairie topsoil. It takes centuries to form, and is some of the richest agricultural land in the world. Unfortunately, it is also easily destroyed through negative agricultural practices that incite erosion and strip the soil of its nutrients.
Lately I've been putting a lot of thought into what it takes to create a rich, valuable network for justice in Minnesota. Like topsoil, our relationships--between Jews, Muslims, Catholics and Protestants--require time as we invest in one another and in our mutual interests. And like topsoil, our relationships can be destroyed by actions even with the best of intentions.
Luckily, in the same way that we can care for and are sustained by the land, we also care for and are sustained by our relationships with one another. I am so happy to live in a state blessed with wealths like nutrient-rich topsoil, and so fortunate to be a part of this network that works together to build social justice. Let us care for both of these precious resources together.
Alison Killeen
Statewide Organizer
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