By Rose Lindquist, VAN Contributor
I’d like to introduce you to an extraordinary human, and someone I have worked with in various capacities since last June: Veda Kanitz. With over 42 years as a high school science teacher in Minnesota public schools, Veda has dedicated her life to education and community activism.
Veda hails from Wisconsin. She followed her college sweetheart to Minnesota in 1982. She is a lover of nature, a self-professed workaholic, and someone who must speak up when she sees injustice.
Veda’s drive in activism and politics was shaped by her mother, Ann, who demonstrated her beliefs through her actions. Ann had a degree in English from Hunter College, and during the war worked as an executive secretary for the Atomic Energy Commission. “She was a New Yorker,” said Veda. “You always knew where she stood on any issue. She taught us the ‘golden rule:’ do unto others as you would have them do onto you.”
Veda got her start in grassroots activism as a volunteer for the Vote No campaign with Minnesotans United for ALL Families, an effort to defeat what she considered a misguided constitutional ban on gay marriage. Veda helped start a phone bank at her church, organized events, and helped train volunteers. “I learned that I had a voice and the ability to organize. It showed me that grassroots democracy works.”
So far this session she’s been at the Capitol advocating for senior issues, clean water, environmental justice, healthcare reform, and common-sense gun legislation.
Veda’s focus has been on climate change and other environmental issues. She received the Willard Munger award from the DFL in 2021 for her leadership in environmental stewardship. As an educator, Veda advised an eco-advocacy group for decades. She helped create and then chaired the DFL Environmental Caucus in 2015, a statewide political advocacy group that elevates environmental issues in Minnesota politics. The caucus endorses and helps elect environmental champions to office. She still serves on the 21-member board. Veda has been a citizen lobbyist at the U.S. Capitol with Citizens Climate Lobby and is a Climate Reality leader.
Veda became more active with Moms Demand Action after the murder of Melissa and Mark Hortman and the Annunciation shootings. So far this session she’s been at the Capitol advocating for senior issues, clean water, environmental justice, healthcare reform, and common-sense gun legislation.
After retiring, Veda ran for a seat in the Minnesota House of Representative, House District 57A in the Lakeville area. Although the outcome was not in her favor, the loss did not deter her. She has continued to focus on the impact that she can make, using her skills to inform and engage the community. She educates voters about the caucus process, helping people understand the importance of grassroots work and the roles they can play. She currently serves as chair of DFL Senate District 57.
Most of her current work goes toward organizing and volunteering locally. She works with the Lions Club to help provide sight testing for kids with astigmatism or who need glasses. The club helps pay for the glasses. The Lions are also involved in diabetes screening, hearing tests, and helping the community by building furniture for those in need.
“It’s not just about me making a difference,” said Veda. “It’s about me multiplying that so that there are enough voices. That’s my role now. Whether it’s about the environment, Lakeville politics, or immigration, I want to make sure that we can implement needed change.”
Doing more is not always effective. I need to pick certain projects, but I don’t think I’m going to stop – ever.”
Veda feels that finding life balance is difficult. “I want to stay active and engaged but I also have to pay attention to health concerns and other personal priorities,” she said. “Doing more is not always effective. I need to pick certain projects, but I don’t think I’m going to stop – ever.”