Advocacy and Equity
Image courtesy of Fight Back! News
ASLA-MN stands with our members and the design community as ICE activity continues in the Twin Cities and beyond. We support the practice of designing with and for people of all abilities, cultures, genders, and beliefs to create places that allow everyone to thrive with integrity. The use of public spaces as staging grounds for ICE operations and locations to apprehend our neighbors goes against our core values, as defined in ASLA-MN’s equity statement.
We are currently working to support both the local design community and residents of Minnesota with short and long term actions in response to the presence of ICE in Minnesota.
We hope you will find the following resources and events helpful.
Donate
For those wishing to provide financial support, there are many non-profit and community groups doing great work. Please note this list is not exhaustive. If you would like us to add an organization to this list, please contact connect@aslamn.org
Gather
Since words are best accompanied with action, ASLA-MN will be hosting a roundtable happy hour discussion to provide a space for all members to reflect on the impact the ICE occupation has had in our community, to share ideas and inspiration from other firms or folks who are leading positive initiatives, and to ideate on how we as a community can do more to support our immigrant neighbors. Inspired by WxLA-MN, you are encouraged to bring items for donation to Community Aid Network MN (CANMN). We will collect and deliver donated items to the organization on your behalf. Right now they have the greatest need for Visa gift cards ($25 or $50 values), baby formula (Nido or Kendamil), baby wipes, toilet paper, dish soap (not Costco-sized), and cooking oil (not Costco-sized).
Thursday, March 12th, 2026
5:30pm to 7:30pm
La Doña Cervecería, 241 Fremont Ave N, Minneapolis, MN 55405
We will be gathering in the front area of the brewery, closer to the main entrance. La Doña’s kitchen is currently closed as it is undergoing renovations, but ASLA-MN will provide some snacks. If you require more substantial food, feel free to bring your own food or order to the brewery.
At this event, we will have information sheets and QR codes available for attendees to also make direct donations to organizations supporting the community day-to-day on the ground, as you are able or willing.
Donations are optional but encouraged.
Learn
In this time of increasing ICE and Border Patrol activity and disruption, it's imperative to know what you can do to stay safe and help your community be safe. Life in the Time of ICE is a webinar series that will cover individual rights, advocacy, legal issues, and more. This webinar series is a collaboration between El Merequetengue, a network of Latin American landscape architects and designers; the local Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion chapters of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA), including Arizona, Illinois, New York, Maryland, New York Upstate and Northern California ASLA chapters; and private firms of TERREMOTO, TOPOPHYLA Landscape Architecture, Bethany Rydmark Landscapes, and CROW Landscapes.
Part 1: Recording available here
Part 2: Recording coming soon
Part 3: March 18th — Register Here
Part 4: TBA
Comment
Please help us provide the best possible support for your and our community by taking this short survey. If you have an idea for another resource or event you will be able to tell us at the end of the form.
Equity in landscape architecture is the practice of designing with and for people of all abilities, cultures, genders, and beliefs to create places that allow everyone to thrive with integrity.
— ASLA-MN’s Equity Statement
Equity & Inclusion
As a profession and as an organization, we strive to be representative and reflective of the communities we serve. Unfortunately, the reality has not yet caught up to the ambition.
About 18 percent of the U.S. population identifies as Hispanic or Latino, while only 10 percent of landscape architects and 4 percent of ASLA members do the same. About 14 percent of the population identifies as African American, but only 3 percent of landscape architects and just over 1 percent of ASLA members do.
Closing the gaps requires concentrated efforts on all sides. ASLA is committed to fostering equity and inclusion within our profession, membership, staff, and leadership.
Green Infrastructure Works
Economic vitality, homeland security, quality of life, and natural ecosystems all rely on ample, clean water. Landscape architects help communities large and small manage their stormwater with innovative green infrastructure solutions, such as green roofs, rain gardens, bioswales, and pervious pavements. Join ASLA in urging our policymakers to support strategies that reduce stormwater runoff and improve our nation’s water supply.
Photo by Nicole Geri on Unsplash
Transportation Planning for All
Economic vitality, homeland security, quality of life, and natural ecosystems all rely on ample, clean water. Landscape architects help communities large and small manage their stormwater with innovative green infrastructure solutions, such as green roofs, rain gardens, bioswales, and pervious pavements. Join ASLA in urging our policymakers to support strategies that reduce stormwater runoff and improve our nation’s water supply.
Photo by Weston MacKinnon on Unsplash
Commitment to Climate Action
Based on the scientific evidence about the causes and impacts of climate change, the American Society of Landscape Architects recognizes that global climate change presents a serious threat to humans and our environment. Landscape architects have the education, training, and skills to lead communities through this crisis to a more sustainable and resilient future.
Open Space for All
ASLA actively encourages communities to create or improve access to places that enable physical activity, including parks, recreational facilities, bicycle paths, walking trails, and sidewalks. Join ASLA in pushing for more places that are made to make you move.