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Sunday, July 31, 2011
[Minnesota Rising Dispatch] July 2011 Update
Friday, July 29, 2011
The Summer Day
Photo Credit: Tatiana Belova
The Summer Day
by Mary Oliver
Who made the world?
Who made the swan, and the black bear?
Who made the grasshopper?
This grasshopper, I mean-
the one who has flung herself out of the grass,
the one who is eating sugar out of my hand,
who is moving her jaws back and forth instead of up and down-
who is gazing around with her enormous and complicated eyes.
Now she lifts her pale forearms and thoroughly washes her face.
Now she snaps her wings open, and floats away.
I don't know exactly what a prayer is.
I do know how to pay attention, how to fall down
into the grass, how to kneel down in the grass,
how to be idle and blessed, how to stroll through the fields,
which is what I have been doing all day.
Tell me, what else should I have done?
Doesn't everything die at last, and too soon?
Tell me, what is it you plan to do
with your one wild and precious life?
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Accepting Applications: Headwaters Foundation Social Justice Leadership Institute
I stopped by the Headwaters Foundation for Justice table and spoke with a couple of summer interns the other evening at the "Make Minnesota Yours" event. They were excited to share about their experiences thus far and pleased with all of the great programming taking place through the Foundation. One particularly exciting initiative they highlighted is the newly launched Social Justice Leadership Institute, which will engage a cohort of 25 emerging leaders interested in learning about and addressing the root causes of poverty and injustice. Whether you're interested in reflecting more deeply about your personal relationship to and changemaking around these issues or perhaps hopeful to create connections with other thoughtful leaders, the inaugural year of this Leadership Institute may just be the time and place for you!
Headwaters supports grassroots groups addressing the root causes of injustice. Join us, and join the movement.
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
We have had our turn. Now it's yours. What will you do with it?
My older sister has graciously asked me to pin her during her pinning and graduation ceremony for her Masters degree in Nursing next month. I'm honored to be asked, excited for her to achieve such a significant personal accomplishment, and am also pleased to see another cohort of leaders ready to head into the world and make a difference in the lives of many with their skills, talent, and passion.
In reflecting on the transition from study to action, and a call for individual professions to intersect for the common good, I noticed an excerpt from former Vice President Walter F. Mondale's commencement address at the Humphrey School of Public Affair's May 15 graduation ceremony in a copy of the recent Humphrey School of Public Affairs newsletter. See below for a portion of his remarks and subsequent call to action:
Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons“We are here to honor an idea: the belief that by intelligently acting together for the public good, we can improve the lives of our fellow citizens and together make a better society.At our Humphrey School, this ideal of the public good is a day-to-day reality. Our faculty participates vigorously in the life of our state. They have helped Minnesota become a leader in such fields as water quality preservation, early childhood education, housing and urban planning, and racial justice. Our graduates, to be found at work literally all over the world, are making a huge difference.
As you surely know, this year marks Hubert Humphrey’s 100th anniversary. A famous political scientist once said that Hubert Humphrey was a oneperson policy incubator who spawned more down-to-earth ideas and accomplishments than practically anyone else in American history. Humphrey was all about ideas that would expand opportunity, mercy, and justice, and he was at the center of all of the fundamental changes that brought us—all of us—into the more decent and just America in which we are blessed to live.Today this ideal is under severe challenge. I heard a president say that government is not the solution, government is the problem. The idea seems to be that government cannot be made to work well for us, that it is irredeemable. There are others, of course, who think government always works well and can solve all of our problems. Both positions are fi xed and ideological, and I believe both are wrong.Lincoln, as always, had it right when he said that ‘the legitimate object of government is to do for a community of people whatever they need to have done but cannot do at all or cannot so well do for themselves in their separate individual capacities.’In other words, whether and how we use government to help us face a challenge should be a pragmatic question dictated by the circumstances and facts of the case. It also depends on your basic ideas and ideals about American society.Not so long ago, we had a nation where progress was possible, where compromise was not an evil word, and where debate was hot but respectful. That’s not what we are leaving for you now. We are split right down the middle.My parents’ generation struggled with the Great Depression. But they gave my generation a rich land, strong values, and a dream of opportunity. My generation was challenged to defend our freedom from bitter foes and to bridge the gap between the justice we found and the society we wanted to become. We gave our children the promise of opened doors, the duty of service, and the trusteeship of our natural resources. But with that came challenges—a dangerous world, a polarized nation, the struggle to make ends meet.Now it’s your turn.You are given science and technology that stagger the imagination. What will you do with it?You inherit incomparable natural beauty and unprecedented environmental risk. How will you face it?You have the oldest and greatest democracy in the world as your birthright but inherit government at an impasse, public trust at an ebb, public discourse at a bottom. How will you raise your generation’s sights? How will you renew our promise for the generation that follows?We have had our turn. Now it’s yours. What will you do with it?We know this about you: you have everything you need—the character, the values, the country, the vision. You are young, strong, and beautiful.I know you can do it.”
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Accepting Applications: LOTT Fellows + Mentors
Having met with the LOTT Advisory Committee recently to review last year's accomplishments and this year's progress, I'm delighted about the strength and value of the personal, professional, and community leadership training that participants are receiving through the LOTT Fellows Program and LOTT Women's Leadership Conference. As such, I'll continue to tout the programs here and encourage any collegiate and emerging women leaders to apply to be Fellows and for any mid-career or established women leaders interested in coaching and guiding to apply to be Mentors. Not you? Pass it along to another woman you know. Women run for office when they are asked, and presumably in according fashion, women apply for leadership programs when they are asked. So, I'm asking you to please ask!-)
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Monday, July 25, 2011
Friday, July 22, 2011
You're Invited: Do Gooder Games!
Having just successfully orchestrated a scavenger hunt last week and in preparing for the Warrior Dash this weekend, I'm thrilled at the notion of the Do Gooder Games that YNPN-TC is hosting next month! Testing mental prowess, physical agility, and teamwork capabilities, the event is sure to be a test of the whole person (and in this case, the whole team)! Get your team together and get your game on. Do good(er)!
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Thursday, July 21, 2011
Accepting Applications: 2011 Minneapolis-St. Paul InterCity Leadership Visit
I've been fortunate to take part in a couple of short-term international study delegations in the past; one for a week focused on international health policy in Haiti and another for two weeks focused on business and entrepreneurship in Abuja and Lagos, Nigeria. Both were fascinating studies into different cultures and foreign policies, as well as useful in providing insight and provoking thought about the way in which we do things at home in the good ole U.S. of A.
You may have seen the 50 Most Inspiring Travel Quotes Of All Time, of which I've got a few favorites:
- "All travel has its advantages. If the passenger visits better countries, he may learn to improve his own." - Samuel Johnson
- "One's destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things." -Henry Miller
Both aptly illuminate the value of a trip such as the Minneapolis/St. Paul Inter-City Leadership Delegation. In its 10th anniversary year, the program is heading to Portland, OR in order to engage in experiential learning via site visits, hearing from local leaders, and learning about regional and city best practices. More details below!
Minneapolis-St. Paul InterCity Leadership Visit Overview
Portland has been selected as the 10th destination for our annual InterCity Leadership Visit: Sunday, October 2 to Tuesday, October 4, 2011.
The leadership of Minneapolis and Saint Paul, will be traveling to Portland with a delegation of 75 community and regional representatives for their tenth Intercity Leadership Visit. This initiative was launched in 2001 by traveling to Denver in 2001 and has since traveled to Seattle, Boston, Dallas, San Diego, Toronto, Atlanta, Charlotte and Austin, TX to learn about city and regional best practices. Each year there is a strong delegation of regional representation. Business, Government, Chamber and Foundation leadership have all committed to their participation.
There are three themes for our visit to Portland: regional economic development, education and urban issues (transportation, downtown development, etc.). The agenda will show case innovative initiatives and regional collaboration around these issues.
Delegates: Trip attendance is by invitation only. A sample of past delegates include: Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak; St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman; Susan Haigh, Metropolitan Council Chair; Jon Campbell, President, Wells Fargo; Sean Kershaw, President, Citizen’s League; Lester Bagley, Vice President, Minnesota Vikings; David Olson, Minnesota Chamber of Commerce; and many more.
Goals
The purpose of this program is two-fold. First is to introduce the delegation to innovative ideas, programs and initiatives, which may be adapted to our community and implemented. The second purpose, is building cross sector relationships within our community. This shared experience results in a more cohesive team working on behalf of our region. Upon returning home, the dynamics of problem solving and community visioning will be enhanced.
Format
This conference does not follow a typical meeting format. We will take the opportunity to see, experience, and explore as much of Portland as possible. By moving the delegation around the region, changing venues to support and enhance the presentations, we'll create a unique and stimulating program. We intend to create the environment to foster networking, creative thinking and discussion among the delegates.
Additional Information
For questions and to request a registration form, contact:
Wendy Helgeson
wendy@civic-source.com
(612) 501-0377Ellen Watters
ellen@civic-source.com
(651) 208-1480
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Will Minnesotans write a better future?
I'm proud to be co-chairing the Citizens League Communications Committee and serving on our 60th Anniversary Planning Committee this year. With the Metropolitan Council, charter schools, and the Minnesota Miracle among some of the policy ideas developed and championed by the League over the years, the work only continues to be relevant and more critical than ever. See below for a Star Tribune commentary from Executive Director, Sean Kershaw, that expounds on just how.
other views
Will Minnesotans write a better future?
- Article by: SEAN KERSHAW
- Updated: July 14, 2011 - 10:12 PM
The political theater has been tragic, but as long as there's a next act, there's hope.
In Greek mythology, Cassandra has the gift of prophesy but the curse of powerlessness. She can see into the future and knows that trouble is coming, but can't prevent catastrophe. She is wise, but her powerlessness makes her tragic.
Perhaps Cassandra is a good metaphor for Minnesota's recent political theater. We can see fiscal catastrophe coming and have the wisdom of good intentions and ideas, but are cursed by a broken political system. We can't afford tragedy.
Prophesy
Our legislative leadership has been right. Demographics (we are aging, and workforce growth is slowing) and escalating health and human services costs create an unsustainable fiscal future.
Medical and human-service-related costs are projected to increase 8.5 percent per year; revenue by 4 percent. This trend is unsustainable, and tax increases aren't sufficient to solve the problem.
We need dramatic program reforms and a conversation about the proper role of government in our new demographic and economic landscape.
Our governor has also been right. Without some type of additional revenue and/or program reform, we have to make drastic reductions in services for students, the poor and seniors, and we need a drastic overhaul in our tax code no matter what.
We spend $11 billion a year through tax loopholes and exemptions, most of which are regressive, and our tax code isn't built for a competitive, entrepreneurial, global economy. Without these reforms, we will eventually undermine the quality of life that makes Minnesota a great place to live in this global marketplace.
Powerlessness
Our politics push us toward tragedy.
Tragedy, because even short-term solutions shut us down. And they only get us to the next biennium, when we face another enormous shortfall and fewer options. Think this budget melodrama is bad? Wait for the 2014-15 season.
Tragedy, because we've seen this crisis coming for 15 years, and because we don't suffer from a lack of policy ideas. This isn't a knowledge problem that needs more policy experts, proposals and reports.
Tragedy, because the purpose of politics in a democracy is to act on these good ideas and intentions -- to be powerful -- but our political infrastructure is profoundly broken and dysfunctional.
We lack the places and opportunities in all types of institutions -- not just government -- to identify, discuss and reconcile our policy differences: to create common ground for the common good. In many ways, it's this simple.
We aren't resolving our differences and building support for reform because we spend our time and resources in echo chambers that only magnify our differences, not reconcile them.
The pragmatic solutions to our policy problems will need to be created in all institutions -- not just government -- and my organization, the Citizens League, has demonstrated that finding and building support for these solutions is possible. In fact, people are hungry for this opportunity.
And what political infrastructure we have left is motivated almost entirely by narrow partisan interests, and is actively working against finding solutions. (If you have been urging your political leadership to hold fast and not compromise, you are now part of the problem.)
The ultimate tragedy will be not seeing the opportunity created by this crisis. Minnesota has always been an innovator; a state on the leading edge of "what works."
Recently we've been on the leading edge of nationwide political dysfunction regarding fiscal and tax reform. We should see this as a chance to show the nation a better solution.
Tragedy or opportunity?
So if our policy and political leadership has been characterized by paralysis and cynicism, on what grounds do we have any hope for this better solution?
In poll after poll, and in extensive conversations that the Citizens League conducted in partnership with the Bush Foundation's "Common Cents" project, Minnesotans are hopeful and ready for reform.
When they understand the magnitude of our demographic and fiscal challenges, they are willing to endure short-term pain in order to create long-term solutions. They want our tax system to be better: more fair and productive. They can talk across dramatic ideological differences to find meaningful common ground based on shared civic values.
Our path forward begins with reimagining and rebuilding our political infrastructure: our ability to act on these intentions. In the short term, we need the majority of Minnesotans who favor reforms to make their voices heard through all means -- just not through the type of partisan win/lose battles we've seen in Wisconsin.
In the long-term -- which starts in 2012 -- we need our leaders to articulate a vision for Minnesota that is bigger than ideology and partisanship, and more long-term than the fall election.
We'll need civic leaders in all types of institutions to act on long-term policy proposals. We can't blame this on the politicians when we all have a role to play. We eleted them.
The purpose of tragedy in drama has always been to remind people what's really important. From the Mayo brothers to 3M, in Minnesota we've always valued -- and depended on -- a unique and powerful mix of innovation and pragmatism. These values are more important than ever.
What's at stake here is not just the fate of this budget or very real short-term policy dilemmas, but the next generation of civic leadership and capacity in Minnesota.
To waste this opportunity would be a tragedy.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
You're Invited: Smart Chicks Happy Hour
Government shutdown, economic recession, 2012 Presidential campaigns, and chicken wings. Find all these things are more at the next League of Women Voters Minnesota Smart Chick Happy Hour! There's no better combination of good conversation, passionate citizens, and tantalizing appetizers. Chirp, chirp, ladies (and gents)!
Join the League of Women Voters for Smart Chicks Happy Hour! (Not just for chicks)
Enjoy conversation, food, and drinks as we talk politics, current legislative issues, and share ideas about meaningful, nonpartisan work in our current political environment.
Thursday, August 4th
4:30 - 6:30
Sweeney's Saloon
96 N. Dale St.
St. Paul, MN
Monday, July 18, 2011
A non-toothache is very pleasant
Photo Credit: gorkola
Aimlessness
In the West, we are very goal oriented. We know where we want to go, and we are very directed in getting there. This may be useful, but often we forget to enjoy ourselves along the route.
There is a word in Buddhism that means “wishlessness” or “aimlessness.” The idea is that you do not put something in front of you and run after it, because everything is already here, in yourself. While we practice walking meditation, we do not try to arrive anywhere. We only make peaceful, happy steps. If we keep thinking of the future, of what we want to realize, we will lose our steps. The same is true with sitting meditation. We sit just to enjoy our sitting; we do not sit in order to attain any goal. This is quite important. Each moment of sitting meditation brings us back to life, and we should sit in a way that we enjoy our sitting for the entire time we do it. Whether we are eating a tangerine, drinking a cup of tea, or walking in meditation, we should do it in a way that is “aimless.”
Often we tell ourselves, “Don’t just sit there, do something!” But when we practice awareness, we discover something unusual. We discover that the opposite may be more helpful: “Don’t just do something, sit there! ” We must learn to stop from time to time in order to see clearly. At first, “stopping” may look like a kind of resistance to modern life, but it is not. It is not just a reaction; it is a way of life. Humankind’s survival depends on our ability to stop rushing. We have more than 50,000 nuclear bombs, and yet we cannot stop making more. “Stopping” is not only to stop the negative, but to allow positive healing to take place. That is the purpose of our practice-not to avoid life, but to experience and demonstrate that happiness in life is possible now and also in the future.
The foundation of happiness is mindfulness. The basic condition for being happy is our consciousness of being happy. If we are not aware that we are happy, we are not really happy. When we have a toothache, we know that not having a toothache is a wonderful thing. But when we do not have a toothache, we are still not happy. A non-toothache is very pleasant. There are so many things that are enjoyable, but when we don’t practice mindfulness, we don’t appreciate them. When we practice mindfulness, we come to cherish these things and we learn how to protect them. By taking good care of the present moment, we take good care of the future. Working for peace in the future is to work for peace in the present moment.
Friday, July 15, 2011
Accepting Applications: 2011 Ten Outstanding Young Minnesotans/Farmers
I often look around and marvel at all the good people in our community that I'm proud to call friends and colleagues. Pleased to have recommended Melissa Palank in 2010, nominated Anita Patel in 2009, and honored to receive Minnesota Jaycees Ten Outstanding Young Minnesotans Award in 2008, I'd ask you if you also feel like you're lucky to be surrounded by talented and passionate citizens? If so, perhaps 2011 is the year for you or those you know to be honored alongside the likes of Walter Mondale, Wheelock Whitney, and Martin Sabo. See below for more details and submit your nomination today!
Submit a 2011 TOYM Nominee
Submit a 2011 OYF Nominee
Deadline August 1, 2011
Ten Outstanding Young Minnesotans
The Ten Outstanding Young Minnesotans program is Minnesota’s only statewide recognition program for outstanding young leaders. The program acknowledges the efforts of young leaders that have contributed to our state through their service, thought and influence, community involvement, or entrepreneurship.
Honorees reflect the vast diversity of young people that are making a difference in their community- whether they get involved through business, nonprofit and community organizations, or government service. TOYM is a program that recognizes and brings together a broad cross-section of young people that have devoted themselves to improving their community.
Started in 1950, the Ten Outstanding Young Minnesotans (TOYM) honorees have included young up-and-coming leaders Walter Mondale, Marlene Johnson, Dave Winfield, Tim Penny, Paul Douglas, Matt Blair, Wheelock Whitney, Joe Senser, and Martin Sabo.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Sign up for Deelabob and support STLF!
You may have heard the phrase, "There is no work/life balance anymore. It's just life." In a similar way, the tide has turned such that there is a decreasing divide between spending money for consumer versus philanthropic purposes. In fact, the dollars you spend on personal goods can easily translate to common good. This is one of the ideas behind Dealeebob.com, also referred to by an awesome STLFer, Bill Breon, as "Groupon with a conscience." See his message below for how you can use your purchasing power to help reveal leadership and pay it forward!
Ladies and gentlemen,
I'm sending this e-mail to you today because I know you love Students Today Leaders Forever. After a great conversation with a friend, I have an exciting opportunity to help STLF that relies on people spreading the word quickly. I'm hoping you can help me out. Let me explain...
John Huber, a friend of mine from Rotaract and a big fan of STLF, has recently become part of the executive team at Dealeebob.com. Dealeebob is a daily deal website that donates $1 to a designated non-profit for every person who signs up, and makes a 5% donation of any purchases they make from the deals. All deals are at least 50% off, and are targeted to the Minneapolis/St. Paul area. It's like Groupon with a conscience.
John has offered us the kind of challenge that's hard to walk away from. If we can get to 1,000 members on Dealeebob by 7/31, he will personally donate $500 to the organization. If we can break that number, it's $1500 to get more young people on a Pay It Forward Tour immediately. Plus, STLF will get a 5% donation from any purchases made.
We're closing in on the end of our fiscal year... and $1500 would make a big difference.
Here's the link to sign up:
http://www.dealeebob.com/r/101971
Remember, STLF will get $1 as soon as you sign up. And if we can get 1,000 people to sign up, it will be another $500 automatically.
Please sign up! Then, forward it on to your friends. Know people who already use Groupon? They might like it better if they knew it was supporting a good cause. E-mail, Facebook, Twitter, whatever you use to share with people, share this opportunity with them! Thanks for your help!
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
You're Invited: Make Minnesota Yours
There's no place like home. Especially when that place is Minnesota! Torch Community and MinnPost YPN are looking to showcase just that and invite new metro-area interns to feel at home with their next event, "Make Minnesota Yours: Connecting Interns with Community." Whether you're a longtime emerging leader group representative or a new-to-MN active citizen, come out to relax, stay a while, and perhaps figure out how to make Minnesota yours!
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