Share Your Story

Community members, allies, and partners: we need your voice. Record a short video or written testimonial in support of the hunger strikers and our demand to close the HERC trash burner in North Minneapolis by December 31, 2027. Every voice counts — the county board is watching.

Submit here
Submit here

Deadline & Questions

Please submit your video or  photo as soon as possible. The hunger strike is underway and media pressure is building. Questions? Contact: info@mnejtable.org — we can also help you record over Zoom (schedule permitting).

WHAT TO INCLUDE

Please include this line:

“Everyone in Minneapolis deserves the freedom to breathe.” It can be a part of your main video or just tack it on the end or beginning. 

Please also express support for the hunger strikers — in your own words, but make it personal and direct. For example:

“I stand with the hunger strikers. They are putting their bodies on the line because that's what Northsiders do every day living near the trash burner. 

Otherwise please respond to one of the following prompts:

  • What core value do you hold that grounds you in this fight. For example: I believe all kids should be able to play outside without risking their health.

  • What does the HERC trash burner mean to your community?

  • What do you want Hennepin County commissioners to do? Our demand: Vote to set a closure date of Dec. 31, 2027 and establish a community taskforce to lead a just transition to Zero Waste.

  • What does a clean, healthy future for this neighborhood look like to you?

Recording Tips

No special equipment needed — a phone works great. A few things make a big difference:

Lighting

  • Face a window or light source — don't put it behind you

  • Natural light from the side or in front is ideal

  • Avoid dark rooms or shooting with the sun behind you

Framing

  • Leave space above your head — don't crop yourself off

  • Back up so your face and upper body are both well in frame. Avoid wide angles that compress the picture.

  • Portrait (vertical) or landscape (horizontal) both work

Sound

  • Find a quiet space — turn off fans, TVs, music

  • Speak clearly and directly — you don't need to be loud

  • Wired earbuds with a mic can improve audio quality

Other

  • One take is fine — authenticity matters more than polish

  • If you stumble, just pause and keep going

  • Send the original file, not a screen recording or screenshot

Story Submission Form