The Best Feminists in Minnesota

Excerpts of a Commemorative Speech given by Sara Rabon (age 21) at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, on Thursday, December 5. Sara is the daughter of Martha West, Consociate and Community Relations Specialist at Sarah’s… an Oasis for Women.

The CSJs support women and others in need, minority communities unrepresented in their government, and victims of human trafficking. Sarah’s… an Oasis for Women, or Sarah’s, is a home for adult women of all backgrounds, of all histories, of all experiences to find safety and community. About 30 women at a time live in the home and grow in this warm community. The CSJs and the staff at Sarah’s help provide avenues for education at all levels, work visas, and legal help to gain citizenship. Since 1996, this small home in St. Paul has stood against alienation and for acceptance. According to Geneti, a former resident, “A home is the most basic need in human life.” I was provided “a home and food” at Sarah’s. This gave me healing in my broken heart.” Sarah’s is home to Geneti, and to other hurting women in Minnesota.

Beyond Sarah’s, the CSJs manage a Legislative Advocacy Partners Working Group which partners with other organizations to fight for social justice. Those who work in the advocacy group promote emergency homes for the homeless, universal driver licenses, a task force for missing indigenous women, and other kinds of support. They have passion and faith for a better future in a world of uncertainty and doubt.

Despite how distant the idea of human trafficking may seem, Minnesota had the third-highest number of human trafficking cases in the USA. Women and men, young and old, citizen and immigrant, are dragged into some of the worst conditions a person could imagine when they are trafficked. Considering all we know about the CSJs, it comes as no surprise that they work to raise awareness and end human trafficking through the Anti-Human Trafficking Working Group. Sisters are active in public policy change, and provide education as well as support to victims. The CSJs work to bring viable solutions directly to those affected.

The CSJs are the best feminists in Minnesota! My mother, as a CSJ Consociate, has brought their teachings into our home, and the CSJs have brought hope and faith to many Minnesotans, including me.

~Sara Rabon