You may recall mention of the three Citizen Solutions forums that took place across Minnesota this summer, bringing together everyday Minnesotans to discuss the budget crisis even as we were in the midst of a government shutdown. Though the shutdown has ended, it's clear there's more of a need than ever for all citizens to engage with policy-making and the public discourse. InCommons is hosting a virtual gathering to provide space for these conversations to continue, and they invite you to visit online to share your commentary over the next few days. I've posted my own below; consider responding to it or adding your insights to the other questions that have been posed online!
Recently, a Baby Boomer told me, "The good old days are good because we figured them out. We know what happened. These days are confusing." He went on to speak about his belief that he and his Boomer friends currently feel a sense of confusion, due to the decline of long-standing institutions and myriad societal challenges to contend with even as they consider the legacies they are leaving behind.
It is, indeed, difficult to make sense of these rapidly changing times, and without a common context or understanding of our direction, it's easy for many citizens to feel confused and helpless. One thing that appears to be missing is a shared understanding of our common challenge and a set of facts with which we all agree. Personal differences of opinion, public mistrust of a wide range of institutions, subscription to divergent media outlets or scientific theories, etc, have created multiple truths. Being unable to operate in similar realities or theories of change halts the work before it can begin.
To get to the "good new days," we're going to need to agree that we will work together to achieve a common set of facts and agenda, to develop a consequent understanding of what we are each responsible to and for, and to commit to working individually and collectively toward a stronger Minnesota.
KEEPING MINNESOTA GREAT THROUGH CITIZEN SOLUTIONS
This past summer's Citizen Solutions Forums were a great success because regular Minnesotans were willing to put aside preconceived notions and come together to find real, sustainable solutions for our state budget. A summary report of the Forums and a scientific poll by Wilder Research appear on BushFoundation.org, along with a video about the gatherings, media coverage and supplemental information.
CONTINUE FINDING CITIZEN SOLUTIONS ON INCOMMONS.ORG
We hope you'll help continue the dialogue Citizen Solutions participants started by engaging in a virtual gathering on InCommons.org. Discussions are already underway, centered around questions like:
To contribute to a discussion, simply visit the Citizen Solutions virtual gathering and select the question you'd like to answer. We're excited to hear what you have to say!
Minnesota Rising is grateful for the sponsorship and support of the amazing community organizations and innovators who, by virtue of their leadership and contributions, are making possible the Minnesota Rising 2011 Un/Conference. Let's give a hand to, and perhaps carrot mob, these fine folks:
Thrivent Financial for Lutherans The STAGES Initiative: On a mission to equip and empower 1 million people to worry less about the one thing they often worry about the most: money.
Works Progress We are a network of creative collaborators. We design multi-disciplinary events, programs and exhibits that inspire, inform and connect—fostering new relationships that cross creative and cultural boundaries.
They say that children are the future. If that's the case, what does the future hold? The Minnesotan Department of Education and the Council on Asian Pacific Minnesotans will be jointly hosting a forum this weekend entitled, "So, How are the Children?" to answer just that. The community forum will focus on the hidden educational achievement gap for Asian Pacific Minnesotans and highlight opportunities for tackling disparities. Hopefully, this forum is a step toward a future of equity and parity for all of Minnesota's children.
You are invited to attend:
Education forum on Asian Pacific Minnesotan students
“So, How are the Children?”
A community forum on the hidden educational achievement gap for Asian Pacific Minnesotans students
Saturday, October 1, 2011
8:30 am—1:00 pm
Consider the facts:
More than 30% of our 8th grade Asian Pacific students are scoring below the basic level in reading and math.*
Compared to national levels, 10-15% more Asian Pacific students are failing to meet the basic level.*
While Minnesota led the nation in ACT scores in 2011, only 34% of Asian Pacific students scored as college ready in at least three subjects areas.
*on the National Assessment of Educational Progress test
Are we really ensuring that no child is left behind?
If you are an educational professional, a policy maker, or a member of the Asian Pacific community, please join us in a discussion about the hidden achievement gap and ways educators, policy makers, and families can address it.
Agenda8:30 a.m. Check-in, networking, light refreshments 9:00 a.m. Program Hear key findings from presenters from the Council on Asian Pacific Minnesotans, Minnesota Department of Education, and Educational Leaders. 10:25 a.m. Breakout Session: Interactive discussion and idea sharing 11:45 a.m. Report back from Breakout Sessions 12:45 p.m. Closing This community forum is co-hosted by:
Minnesota Department of Education and the State Council on Asian Pacific Minnesotans
I'm a fan of the UNCF maxim, "A mind is a terrible thing to waste." Are you considering the next steps in your academic or professional development? The Idealist Grad Fair is making its way to Minnesota in October and you're invited to visit with 70+ representatives from nationwide programs as well as learn about the steps to take if you decide graduate school is the right thing for you and your mind. RSVP details below; don't let this opportunity go to waste!
Just a reminder that the Idealist Grad Fair at the University of Minnesota's Coffman Memorial Union, is next Tuesday, October 4th, from 5:00 to 8:00 PM. We're also looking for a few volunteers to help us spread the word about this event (sign-up link below).
If you're thinking about going to grad school in the next couple of years, come speak with 70 representatives from programs in Public Policy, Social work, Journalism, International Affairs and many more. There's also a panel on financial aid and admissions from 6:00 to 7:00.
For more information and to RSVP (the event is free and open to the public, so please feel free to bring a friend!) please click here:
If you have a few hours and can volunteer to help us get the word out about Tuesday's event or if you're a student able to post flyers in and around the University of Minnesota's campus, please click here.
This fair is generously hosted by the University of Minnesota Humphrey School of Public Affairs.
Thanks, and we hope to see you at the fair!
Jeremy MacKechnie Community Manager Idealist.org
Idealist's headquarters is at 302 Fifth Avenue, 11th Floor, New York, NY 10001, USA.
I got to see Rise Against and Foo Fighters in concert the other week and my partner suggested on the ride over that Rise Against' song, Architects, should be the anthem for Minnesota Rising. What say you?
"Architects" Rise Against
Are there no fighters left here anymore? Are we the generation we've been waiting for? Or are we patiently burning, waiting to be saved?
Our heroes, our icons have mellowed with age. Following rules that they once disobeyed. They're now being led when they used to lead the way
Do you still believe in all the things that you stood by before? Are you out there on the front lines, or at home keeping score? Do you care to be the layer of the bricks that seal your fate? Or would you rather be the architect of what we might create?
They laid out the blueprints, They poured down a base Concrete solutions to slow our decay. But when they are gone Who the f***'s gonna take their place?
Do you still believe in all the things that you stood by before? Are you out there on the front lines, or at home keeping score? Do you care to be the layer of the bricks that seal your fate? Or would you rather be the architect of what we might create?
Don't you remember when you were young, and you wanted to set the world on fire? Somewhere deep down, I know you do.
(hey!, hey!, hey!, hey!)
And don't you remember when we were young, and we wanted to set the world on fire? (hey!, hey!, hey!, hey!) 'Cause I still am, and I still do.
Make no mistake, we're not afraid To bear the burden of repeating What they're thinking anyway. Let's raise the stakes On the bet we made. Let's decide to be the architects, The masters of our fate.
Yeah, we still believe in all the things that we stood by before. And after everything we've seen here, maybe even more. I know we're not the only ones and we were not the first. And unapologetically we'll stand behind each word.
"Who are you and what do you want?" Could you answer this bald-faced question at a networking event? On your website? To yourself? YNPN-TC's next event - The Insider: Stand Up, Speak Out: Personal Branding for Change Agents - will seek to offer you just the opportunity to reflect on your purpose, clarify a plan of action, and shape the message that the world hears about you and the change you advocate. Sign up today to start sharpening your answer for your next network-building event!
In today's world of information overload and short attention spans, it's not enough to mean well. It's time to find your voice and discover your brand. Registration now open!
You are invited to attend:
The Insider: Stand Up, Speak Out
Personal Branding for Change Agents
Monday, October 17, 2011 from 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM
In the new world of work where job titles and descriptions don't define or confine you, it's not enough to mean well. You have to be noticed, both in person and on the web.
Having a clear idea of who you are and what you care about, then representing yourself consistently online, will help advance your career and build your network. Not only that, it will give the causes you advocate for a shot in the arm, too.
Join us for an evening of honing your online identity with our four expert speakers, and leave with:
A better understanding of your own story and key messages
Tips on writing compelling copy for the web
Visual branding insights to help you stand out from the crowd
An overview of how to use Twitter to develop your brand and connect with new people and fresh ideas
It's time to find your voice and discover your brand. (See the event pagefor more details, speaker line-up and to register!)
Laura Zabel is the Executive Director of Springboard for the Arts. Based in Saint Paul, MN, Springboard for the Arts is a community and economic development organization for individual artists-serving artists in the Upper Midwest and beyond. Springboard applies the creative process to reframe conversations, develop unconventional partnerships, and devise simple solutions. One of Springboard’s newest initiatives is a Community Supported Art (CSA) project based on the Community Supported Agriculture model which connects artists directly with patrons through a 3-month farm-share program.
In 2010, Laura was named one of Twin Cities Business Journal’s 40 Under Forty and Springboard won the Social Entrepreneur’s Cup award which recognizes Minnesota's most innovative and effective social entrepreneur and the organization they lead. Laura chairs the City of Saint Paul Cultural STAR Board and serves on the Knight Foundation National Arts Advisory Committee. In addition to her work at Springboard, Laura is an actor in the Twin Cities and has worked with companies such as Theatre in the Round and the Brave New Workshop. Laura has her undergraduate degree in theatre from the University of Kansas, where she serves on the Professional Advisory Board for the Department of Theatre.
In our increasingly flat world, the global regularly becomes more local. And Angela Eifert is helping to make that happen this month here in Minnesota. She's working to plan the Cheetah Development First Annual Benefit right down to its QR Code and would welcome you to be there to hear the story of Cheetah Development from its Founder and Executive Director. If you're a general fan of social enterprise, a globe-trotter with a penchant for learning more, or curious about ways in which you can engage with revolutionary philanthropies, this event is for you!
We are excited to announce the First Annual Cheetah Development Benefit. This historic event will take place on Thursday, September 29th 2011, from 6-9 PM at the Minnesota Valley Country Club in Bloomington. Dress is casual but feel free to wear whatever is comfortable to you. So far, about 100 tickets have been sold and tickets are going fast so please do not wait to get yours!
The event will feature the Founder and Executive Director of Cheetah Development, Ray Menard as the keynote speaker. Ray is back from Africa and will share inspiring stories and insight regarding project development. You will also hear accounts of tremendous human impact brought about by the trust and determination of the citizens of Iringa your ongoing support of Cheetah Development in Tanzania. Here’s just a glimpse of what else you have to look forward to:
• ‘Tanzanian Style’ auction and silent auction – both will feature authentic Tanzanian artifacts • Auction of a 4+ carat blue Tanzanite stone you will enjoy hearing of the provenance of this beauty! • 5 minute high-impact presentations highlighting each of the projects developed by Cheetah Development • Interactive format that will include Q & A forum • Authentic Tanzanian food
Cheetah Development is a nonprofit organization based in Minneapolis, but has an investment company in Tanzania to start sustainable, innovative business models that can move impoverished communities into growing economies over time. Do you wish to be an investor in a cutting edge philanthropy movement? How about just a donor to support a good cause? Or would you consider providing a micro-loan to small business entrepreneurs to get their businesses started? Either way, I invite you to attend the first annual benefit to learn about this revolutionary philanthropic organization and to support the work being done in Tanzania.
Tickets are $35 and seating is limited so go online, or call to register today! www.cheetahdevelopment.org/benefit, or call 612.548.1129.
Join us to celebrate the sustainable economic development of Africa!!
We have a new member of the Minneapolis/St. Paul community thanks to Atlas Corps, and you can welcome him to the Twin Cities at tomorrow morning's event featuring Networking, Capacity Building, and Breakfast! Atlas Corps Fellows serve at organizations such as Ashoka, CentroNia, Grameen Foundation, Susan G. Komen for the Cure, U.S. Peace Corps, and now, Global Citizens Network! The deadline to RSVP is today, so click here to reserve your spot (and breakfast)!
Minnesota: Atlas Corps Info Breakfast
Tuesday, September 20, 2011 from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM (CT)
Minneapolis, MN
Event Details
Atlas Corps Arrives in Minneapolis!
Meet our Fellow, talk with staff, and learn more at our Info Breakfast...
Learn More at our MN Info Breakfast
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
9:00 - 10:00 AM
Global Citizen Network - Intercultural Student Experiences 129 North 2nd St, #102 Minneapolis, MN 55401
RSVP by Monday, September 19
Breakfast treats and coffee will be served.
Atlas Corps seeks organizations to host nonprofit leaders from overseas in a 12 to 18 month fellowship. All Fellows have 2 to 10 years of experience, bachelors or graduate degrees, and are fluent in English. Host Organizations provide a cost share that supports 70% of the overall Fellowship expenses. Atlas Corps handles all logistics including travel, J-1 visa, health care, living stipend, and orientation. Atlas Corps generally partners with nonprofit organizations, though this opportunity is also open to socially-responsible corporations and government agencies. Atlas Corps Fellows serve at organizations such as Ashoka, CentroNia, Global Citizen Network - Intercultural Student Experiences, Grameen Foundation, Susan G. Komen for the Cure, and U.S. Peace Corps.
Minnesota Rising 2011 Un/Conference: Building A Network For What’s Next! The Minnesota Rising 2011 Un/Conference: Building A Network For What’s Next will be held on Saturday, October 22, 2011 from 10:00AM – 4:00PM at the CoCo coworking and collaborative space.
Hosted by and for emerging leaders, the Un/Conference will engage emerging leaders across Minnesota in an energizing day of innovative learning and dialogue, skill-building, and network-building with their peers!
If you're an emerging leader or young professional dedicated to developing your leadership capacities, passionate about the organizations and community groups you engage with as a volunteer or staff person, and committed to strengthening the great state of Minnesota, then this is the event for you!
