1. About MN Speaks
MN Speaks is a community-based oral history project to document and preserve Minnesotans’ lived experiences during Operation Metro Surge in order to safeguard community truths for future generations. Anna Schulte and Katharine McDonald serve as current Project Representatives for MN Speaks.
2. Participation & Recording Review
I understand that:
- My participation is voluntary.
- I may decline to answer any question.
- I may pause or stop the interview at any time.
- I may choose how I am identified in my recording: full name, partial name, pseudonym, or anonymously.
- Before the interview is preserved, published, or deposited in an archive, I may request a copy of the recording to review.
- Before my interview is preserved or published, I may request a copy for review. If I would like corrections or redactions, I can submit requests in writing to MNspeaks@pm.me within 30 days of receiving my copy. I retain the right to withdraw from the project entirely prior to preservation or publication by submitting a written request. Withdrawal means your materials will be deleted and not preserved, published, or deposited.
3. Confidentiality
My interview will remain confidential until it is formally released, published, or deposited in an archive.
MN Speaks does not offer time-limited sealing or embargo options.
Once the interview has been released, published, or deposited in an archive following any requested review period, the transfer of rights becomes permanent and withdrawal will no longer be possible.
4. Irrevocable Deed of Gift (Transfer of Copyright)
I retain the right to use my own interview.
I voluntarily transfer copyright and all related rights to the MN Speaks project, currently represented by Anna Schulte and Katharine McDonald. This transfer is to the project — not to either individual personally — and will pass to any future organizational structure, fiscal sponsor, or legal entity that formally assumes stewardship of MN Speaks.
In the event that MN Speaks ceases operations without a successor, all materials will be offered for deposit to a nonprofit historical institution or public archive, rather than remaining in the personal possession of any individual.
This includes the right and permission to:
- Record and transcribe my interview
- Preserve and archive my interview
- Publish or share my interview in part or in full
- Create books, articles, exhibits, podcasts, documentaries, educational materials, artistic works, or other related projects, in any format or medium now known or later developed from my interview
- Edit my interview for clarity, length, or formatting, provided the meaning or intent of my words is not materially changed
- Deposit my interview in a public archive, repository, or digital access systems
- Allow public access my interview, according to the policies of that archive
This transfer is irrevocable, meaning it cannot be undone after signing, and is made without expectation of compensation.
5. Subject Matter & Risks
MN Speaks is documenting experiences related to Operation Metro Surge, which involved law enforcement operations, immigration enforcement, protests, and surveillance. Stories about these events may touch on sensitive personal or legal territory. There are inherent risks to participating in an interview with MN Speaks, including:
Legal & Legislative Risks. Laws and political climates change. Stories shared today under legal protection may become liabilities if future legislation criminalizes certain behaviors, identities, or affiliations disclosed in the narrative.
MN Speaks representatives are not attorneys and cannot advise you on legal risk. If you have concerns about any of the above, we encourage you to speak with a lawyer before participating. You may also choose to omit, generalize, or request redaction of any portion of your interview.
Before your interview, we encourage you to think carefully about whether any part of your story involves:
• Contact with law enforcement or immigration authorities
• Activity that could be interpreted as legally consequential
• Information about others who have not consented to being named
• Details about surveillance methods or evasion of law enforcement.
Risk of Privacy & Identity Exposure. Narrators may unintentionally reveal identifying details or "out" themselves regarding sexuality, immigration status, or religion to people in their lives who did not previously know.
Emotional & Psychological Impact. Recounting traumatic experiences can resurface grief or distress.
Digital Permanence & Future Use. Once archived, a story may persist indefinitely. Future technologies or uses — research, exhibitions, AI tools — may engage with the recording in ways the narrator did not anticipate.
Confidentiality. Because this is a preservation project, we can't guarantee absolute confidentiality. We mitigate this risk by storing Narrators’ legal names and signatures separately and securely from their recordings. Audio files are labeled with the name the narrator chooses — this can be a pseudonym if you prefer. We also ask that narrators only share what they'd feel comfortable having preserved and shared in the future. We also ask that they focus on their own lived experience and legal activities.
6. Sensitive or Self-Incriminating Information
I understand that:
- I am responsible for what I choose to share.
- MN Speaks representatives do not provide legal advice.
- MN Speaks representatives do not review interviews for legal risk before release.
- If I disclose illegal activity or information that could create legal consequences, those statements may become part of the permanent historical record once released.
- MN Speaks representatives cannot shield or protect me from legal consequences resulting from my voluntary disclosures.
7. Financial Implications
I will not receive payment or royalties for my participation.
If MN Speaks generates revenue from published work (such as a book, podcast, or documentary), any net profits beyond operating costs will be directed to organizations in Minnesota that provide direct services to immigrants and communities affected by Operation Metro Surge. If revenue is generated, MN Speaks will publish an annual accounting of any revenue and distributions on the website.
8. Release of Claims
To the fullest extent permitted by law, I release, discharge, and agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Katharine McDonald and Anna Schulte, as Project Representatives, and any designated collaborators, successors, or assigns, from any and all claims, demands, damages, or causes of action arising out of or related to:
- My voluntary participation in this interview
- The recording, preservation, publication, sharing, or archival deposit of my interview
- The use of my interview as described in this agreement
This includes, but is not limited to, any claims related to copyright, defamation, invasion of privacy, right of publicity, or any other personal or intellectual property rights.
MN Speaks interviewers are community members, not crisis counselors. If something arises during your interview that requires immediate support, we will pause and connect you with appropriate resources.
Our interviewers also practice regular debriefing to care for their own wellbeing. If your story is one you've been carrying for a long time, we're honored you'd share it — and we take seriously the responsibility of receiving it.
This release does not apply to intentional misconduct.