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“The longer I live the more I find it necessary to reexamine those things about which I was once most certain.”
-Josh Billings
Monday, April 30, 2012
Necessary to reexamine
Copyright (c) 123RF Stock Photos
“The longer I live the more I find it necessary to reexamine those things about which I was once most certain.”
Friday, April 27, 2012
You're Invited: Citizens League Emerging Leaders Happy Hour
In the same vein as Minnesota Rising's recent "Building a Network for What's Next - Linking Leaders" event, the Citizens League Emerging Leaders is hosting an upcoming happy hour to encourage speed-conversations to spark new civic relationships! Join in for some good food, good people, and good conversations. And don't forget your business cards - both for networking as well as the opportunity to win some fun door prizes!
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Wanting to get out and meet some new civic-minded individuals? Join the Citizens League for this networking opportunity.
You've heard of speed dating: an event with structured quick interactions with folks looking to find a romantic relationship. This is a chance to start a new civic relationship.
Citizens League hosts will lead you through a rapid networking interactions to meet new professionals who are doing great work in the community. It;'s quick, with no commitments, but who knows what kind of civic matchmaking might arise?
Come for the networking, stay for the happy hour while mingling with fellow Citizen League members.
This happy hour is hosted by the Emerging Leaders Committee and is open to all current and potential Citizens League members. New members are encouraged to attend! Please bring your business cards to get entered into a drawing for Citizens League prizes.
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Event Recap: Linking Leaders
Last Tuesday’s Linking Leaders evening hosted by Minnesota Rising at The Beat Coffee House was full of "good people having good conversations.” Organized in a speed-mentoring fashion, the evening was a way for emerging leaders to connect with established leaders and hopefully pick-up some tips and tricks on being an effective leader.
To kick-off the evening everyone jotted down three key leadership moments in their life and placed them on a large time line at the front of the room. Each person got a chance to share one of their key leadership moments with the crowd – talk about a fantastic way to get to know people and their stories!
The mentoring session was broken down into three timed discussions, where the dialogue was prompted in a number of ways, but remained open and flexible, allowing conversations to develop naturally. The resulting dialogues were both concrete and abstract conversations about leadership. Wrapping up with some additional one-on-one networking, the evening also served as an additional way to highlight the importance of organic conversations like those that are taking place though Minnesota Rising’s Cascading Conversations Tour, a discussion around “Our Minnesota.”
If you missed this event and would like information on future events make sure to sign up for our monthly newsletter. If you are looking for information on the Cascading Conversations Tour you can download the Cascading Conversation Blueprint or email us at minnesotarising@gmail.com!
To kick-off the evening everyone jotted down three key leadership moments in their life and placed them on a large time line at the front of the room. Each person got a chance to share one of their key leadership moments with the crowd – talk about a fantastic way to get to know people and their stories!
If you missed this event and would like information on future events make sure to sign up for our monthly newsletter. If you are looking for information on the Cascading Conversations Tour you can download the Cascading Conversation Blueprint or email us at minnesotarising@gmail.com!
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
You're Invited: 6th Strategy for Good Workshop
Thinkers & Makers, LLC is hosting their 6th Strategy for Good Workshop this weekend and is still searching for some more strategists and creative types to join in on the brainstorming and fun! If you've got a few hours to spare and some insightful wisdom to share, consider contributing to the marketing and development of local nonprofits and organizations. Coffee will be available to help get the creative juices flowing!
Thinkers & Makers, LLC (thinkersandmakers.com) is proud to announce the 6th Strategy for Good Workshop for April 28th, 2012 at CoCo St Paul (http://cocomsp.com/locations/st-paul/) from 9:30am to 12pm or so.
This workshop will pair non-profit and small business leaders with brand, media and marketing strategists from all around the Twin Cities. At this workshop, teams will have time to address strategic and marketing issues in their organizations, brainstorm, and create solutions. Topics to tackle throughout the morning will range from social media initiatives to broader questions about brand awareness and marketing strategy.
Pre-work:
Registered organizations will be asked to complete a questionnaire describing their organization and their current strategic branding and marketing challenges.
Agenda:
9:30-45am : Coffee and networking
9:45-10am: Introduction and group brainstorm
10am-12pm: Team workshops - each organization is assigned a team of strategists to tackle specific challenges.
Please register to be on the mailing list and receive info as we organize the event!
Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/jDMJX
We look forward to working with you!
Emilie Hitch, Paul Isakson and Team S4GMPLS
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
You're Invited: "Golf Buzz" Event!
All this green grass and bright sunshine are the perfect motivation for getting outdoors and being active during the Minnesota springtime. Add in an opportunity to connect with some very cool women and to improve your golf game (at any skill level), and you've got a great night out. Join Jean Nitchals and Network Buzz this week at the Halla Greens Chanhassen Executive Golf Course & Practice Range for a productive and highly fun evening on the green!
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Jean NitchalsMonday, April 23, 2012
It overflows
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"The trading of joy comes naturally because it is of the nature of joy to proclaim and share itself. Joy cannot contain itself, as we say. It overflows."
-Frederick Buechner
Friday, April 20, 2012
Accepting Applications: Humphrey School of Public Affairs Policy Fellows
I was a Humphrey School of Public Affairs 2006-2007 Policy Fellow and greatly enjoyed the program that year, but more importantly, have been highly appreciative of the network and resources after the fact. It's that time of year again to recruit a cross-sector group of Minnesota leaders to further develop their leadership skills and strengthen their networks, and perhaps you should be a member of that cohort! The program offers generous scholarships as needed, especially to folks in the nonprofit government sectors, for whom there is a designated scholarship fund. You can find other FAQs on the program website, including the application deadline of June 1!
Applications are now being accepted for the 2012-2013 Policy Fellows program at the University of Minnesota’s Humphrey School of Public Affairs.
Now in its 22nd year, the Policy Fellows program brings together rising leaders from business, government, and nonprofit sectors to hone their leadership skills, build their professional networks, and learn how to tackle the "common good" challenges facing our state and nation. As part of a 35-person cohort, Fellows meet monthly between September and June for full-day workshops and seminars; design and implement group projects on topics of their choosing; and participate in a three-day study trip to Washington, D.C.Emerging and mid-career leaders throughout the state of Minnesota are welcome to apply. The application and two recommendation letters are due June 1, 2012 for the nine-month program beginning in September.
More information about program costs and content can be found on our website:http://www.hhh.umn.edu/centers/cspg/initiatives/policy_fellows/index.html
Please forward to colleagues and friends!
Questions?
Contact Kate Cimino, 612-625-8330 or cspg@umn.edu
Thursday, April 19, 2012
You're Invited: MN Zoo Beastly Ball
Brazil is where the party's at - they're hosting the 2014 FIFA World Cup, the 2016 Summer Olympics, and of course, will be the Carnaval feature at this year's Azul's Wild Night at the 2012 Beastly Ball at the Minnesota Zoo! Get your tickets now for a tropical affair to support local conservation and education initiatives. And help get the Brazil party train started right!
Are you a young professional, passionate about conservation issues and interested in connecting with other like-minded individuals?
Join us for Wild Night at the Beastly Ball!
AZUL is throwing a party at this year’s Beastly Ball from 9:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m. on April 28, 2012. Enjoy cocktails, mingling and entertainment (Carnaval Brasileiro).
Masks and cocktail attire admired but not required.
All Wild Night proceeds directly support conservation and education initiatives at the Minnesota Zoo. Register Now
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
You're Invited: Investing In Your Talents
For this year's group project, the Leaders of Today and Tomorrow (LOTT) Fellows are hosting the second workshop in the Leadership Series this week, focused on strengths-based leadership. Join a remarkable and diverse panel of women leaders to gain insight on their tools and techniques for reaching their goals. And props to the LOTT Fellows on their hard work to pull together such a great event!
INVESTING IN YOUR TALENTS
2012 LOTT Leadership Series
Thursday, April 19, 2012
7:00-8:30 PM
Pre-registration is now closed. You may pay at the door (cash or check only).
Neighborhood House at Wellstone Center
Bernard and Marie Ferber Community Dining Room
179 Robie Street East
St. Paul, MN 55107
After April 9th: $7.00
Learn about how you can recognize, enhance, and utilize your talents to accomplish your professional and personal goals.
Please join us at the second Leaders of Today and Tomorrow (LOTT) Leadership Series event of 2012! Attendees will be given the opportunity to hear from a panel of inspiring women leaders and receive guidance on how to strengthen your talents and to accomplish your goals. The information from this workshop is applicable to anyone at any stage in their career path.
Panelists:
Sahra Noor – Director of Language Services and Community Health, University of Minnesota Medical Center, Fairview
Karla Sjostrom – Assistant Vice President, Wells Fargo Home Mortgage
Heather Westerlund – CRM Integration Specialist at the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts and Co-Artistic Director of Rhythmically Speaking
Claire Wilson – Voter Outreach Director, Office of the Secretary of State
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Inspiration for the job search
Minnesota Rising is linking leaders to build the network for what's next tonight at The Beat. A few spots still remain, so register here if you're interested in sharing inspiration and advice with other emerging and established leaders!
For all others looking for jobs, internships, and new opportunities, check out the article offerings below that the Institute for International Public Policy has curated this week.
A Few Good Articles You Should Read
To offer some inspiration to those of you looking for jobs, internships, and new opportunities.
· The Campus Leader’s Guide to Getting a Job
· Start Your Love Affair with LinkedIn
· Spring Cleaning Your Resume (in less than two hours!)
· 5 Steps to Crafting a Killer Cover Letter
· Why to Think Twice About Bypassing an Unpaid Internship
· Intern Conversion Hits All Time High
· 5 New Ways to Network (That You Won’t Dread)
Monday, April 16, 2012
Come alive
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“Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.”
-Howard Thurman
Sunday, April 15, 2012
Feel Like Pitching In?
Today is the first day of National Volunteer Week. National Volunteer Week began in 1974 as way to highlight the importance of actively serving local communities.
If you are anything like me, volunteering is great, but ‘micro-volunteering’ is more likely what you have time for. I find that between graduate school and full-time work, my free time is very limited. Even with my best prioritizing efforts, time is often one of the major reasons I cannot commit to such events. I imagine most of us are in similar situations when it comes to our availability. However, according to Volunteering In America, Americans spent 8.1 billion hours volunteering in 2011 -- Wowza, right?! That is a serious chunk of time! Unfortunately, their statistics also show that compared to Boomers and Gen X, Millennials volunteered at lower rate.
In order to demonstrate how little time it takes to make a difference, I thought I would pass along these micro-like local volunteer opportunities from the United Way-Twin Cities. Conveniently, this list has several volunteer assignments that only require a few hours of time. If we all micro-give a little more in 2012, I am hopeful our generation will take volunteering cake!
In order to demonstrate how little time it takes to make a difference, I thought I would pass along these micro-like local volunteer opportunities from the United Way-Twin Cities. Conveniently, this list has several volunteer assignments that only require a few hours of time. If we all micro-give a little more in 2012, I am hopeful our generation will take volunteering cake!
Friday, April 13, 2012
Blog Buddies: How to fight information overload from the YNPN-TC Blog
Nick Cross wrote a fantastic post for the YNPN-TC blog last week, and I was delighted to be asked to contribute. See below for his insightful post about fighting information overload in an age of ever-increasing data, speed, and social media platforms. And then get off the internets and go into the woods, y'all! Happy weekend!
How to fight information overload
Thursday, April 5, 2012 at 8:00AM
If you’re like me, you get flooded with information. Between Twitter, Facebook, and email, we probably see thousands of messages each day. Some of it is junk (what I ate for lunch), some of it is important but outside your focus area (a message about saving the Lemmings), and some of it is vitally important to your work (budget information related to your department).
According to TIME, each day the average American spends about 12 hours consuming information, taking in more than 100,000 words that total 34 gigabytes of data.* While it may seem that information overload came to prominence with the Internet age, it is by no means a new phenomenon. (Think of the Encyclopedia Britannica sets that got updated every few years or the shelves of microfiche available at the library.) In her book Too Much to Know, Ann Blair writes that sixteenth century European scholars complained about information overload.
So if lamenting the rise of information overload isn’t the right approach, how do we frame it? In the wise words of Clay Shirky, “Thinking about information overload isn't accurately describing the problem; thinking about filter failure is.” (emphasis added) Barring the possibility of a December 21 apocalypse, we’ll never be able to do away with all the information we wrap ourselves in each day. We may, however, be able to combat its distracting effects. Here are some vital tips on managing your filter:
Know you’re in control.Diane Tran of Minnesota Rising says being overrun with and overwhelmed by messages and information doesn’t have to be inevitable. The first step in addressing this topic is to know that we are in control and have the power. Knowing that, the second step is to know our individual or organizational purpose and mission. Knowing what information or people or connections we need in order to get where we are trying to go allows us to select the right channels of communication and type of messengers we look to hear and learn from.
Stay on top of it.Leah Lundquist, Grad Student in Public Policy and Nonprofit Leadership and YNPN Board Member, offers a few tips and a word of caution:
- If you filter, I've found you really have to start a discipline of checking certain folders at frequent intervals. I was filtering my YNPN emails into a folder for a while and had to cancel that practice since I felt unresponsive. I've also put an A in front of the names of certain important folders so that they show up on top of my folder list and I could tell when there were new emails.
- According to David Allen, the Getting Things Done guy, if you can answer an email or do anything in under two minutes, just do it. Don't procrastinate.
- Setting up Twitter lists and Google Alerts were both revolutionary for me. Google Alerts go to my Google Reader (not my inbox!). And, in general: Love the Google Reader!
Unsubscribe.Ed Kohler of The Deets offered these words of wisdom: “One tip I like is to search your inbox or trash for the word ‘unsubscribe.’ You may find quite a few email lists that are worth reconsidering.”
Go silent.One of my tips for Gmail users is the “Mute” button. If you are on a listserv that has a conversation you are done with, click “Mute.” You might also consider filtering the listserv or leaving it altogether.
Do you have any tips to share? What do you think about the idea that we set ourselves up for over consumption?
Thursday, April 12, 2012
You're Invited: Volunteer for Earth Day at Wishes for the Sky!
Earth Day is everyday. And in particular, this April 22nd, 2012! See below for an opportunity to volunteer with or join in on the nature-loving festivities at the Wishes for the Sky event in St. Paul. Featuring music, art, kite-flying, yoga, and zero-waste, there'll be myriad ways to connect your mind, body, and heart to nature!
WANT TO VOLUNTEER FOR EARTH DAY?
JOIN US AT WISHES FOR THE SKY!
APRIL 22nd, HARRIET ISLAND, SAINT PAUL
Be part of a clean, fresh, FREE public art event celebrating SPRING!
It's a feel-good, zero-waste day with music, art, kite-flying, yoga, local food, and more.
Volunteers can work indoor or outdoor helping with writing wishes, flying kites, greeting, setting up, and more. Sign-up for 2.5 hour shifts on April 21st or April 22nd.
To view volunteer shifts and to sign-up, visit Wishes for the Sky Volunteer Spot:
http://tinyurl.com/VolunteerWishes2012
For event information, visit: www.wishesforthesky.org <http://www.wishesforthesky.org>
Contact Volunteer Coordinator, Ashley Hanson with any questions or for assistance with volunteer shift sign-up:volunteer@graceminnesota.org <mailto:volunteer@graceminnesota.org>
MAKE A WISH, FLY A KITE, CONNECT YOUR HEART TO NATURE
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Collaboration: An Admiration of Variation
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Jamie Millard and Chris Oien, bloggers for YNPN-TC, have taken their discussion on networking from the recently posted ‘The 4-step program for successfully networking as an introvert’ a step further by asking, “What do you do to help the introverts at networking events feel comfortable?”
When I read this I instantly thought, “This is where I come in handy!” For better or worse, I have made it my job in life to begin conversations with perfect strangers (hence my love for Minnesota Rising’s Cascading Conversations project). Cracking the silence and starting a conversation sooner rather than later eases tensions and, if nothing else, provides a vehicle into the conversation for those who are slightly introverted.
It has been my experience, as an extreme extrovert, that introverts bring out my best qualities and add a new dimension to my critical thinking. Working amongst different personality types is half the fun of collaborating! Further, being aware of where you sit on the personality spectrum can really be an added value for you as you work with others. Identifying your tendencies is one way to highlight your strengths and combat any weaknesses you may typically fall prey to. I know my list of tendencies is probably a mile long, but at least I am aware of them and face them head on.
My better half, as an INTP on the Myers Briggs (my polar opposite), often wishes I would not facilitate such conversations for him. I often drag him outside of his comfort zone and go about my merry way, leaving him in the middle of whatever it was I was doing last and with no real idea of why he is there in the first place. But, what can I say? There is something to be said for the person who can force out the brilliant ideas from the much too quiet wallflowers, even if the prodding is slightly unwanted.
I find introverts really challenge me to slow down and clarify my thoughts. I have learned a great deal about myself this way. I embrace these opportunities and see them as a way to fine tune my skills. Without these experiences I might not be able to comprehend why someone didn’t grasp what I said, or be left wondering why my point was missed. In case you want more, check out this TED Talk! It is another great example of the beneficial power of introverts. And me -- I am just their biggest fan!
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
You're Invited: Join Service-Learning Young Professionals at Hell's Kitchen!
Are you a young professional, or a experienced leader who supports the next generation? Do you dig service-learning as a teaching strategy to engage otherwise disengaged students? Then this networking event is definitely for you!Join emerging and seasoned professionals who care about service, learning, and everything in between on Thursday, April 12th at 8:00 p.m. at Hell's Kitchen, Minneapolis (in the Far Side Pub) after the second day of the 23rd Annual National Service-Learning Conference and youthrive PeaceJam Leadership Conference. SLYP — Service-Learning Young Professionals — is a group of young professionals dedicated to the practice of service-learning in education. Young and experienced professionals are welcome to attend this informal networking event. Meet, mingle, be merry, and enjoy some appetizers courtesy of the Generator School Network, a program of the National Youth Leadership Council.
Service-Learning Young Professionals Networking EventHell's Kitchen (in the Far Side Pub)
80 S. 9th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55402
More information available on the NYLC website and Facebook. Can’t join us that night or want to start the networking early? Join the GSN (it's free!) and introduce yourself to other service-learning young professionals before the event by joining the group.
You are also invited to join our Service-Learning Tweetup during the conference! What excites you most about being involved in your community? How do you participate in service-learning? On Thursday, April 12 starting at 12:30 p.m. CST tweet using the hashtag #ourworldourfuture to share your thoughts on education with conference participants, and be sure to follow NYLC @nylcorg!
Questions? Email me (Sam) at sschultz@nylc.org or follow me @samrschultz.
Monday, April 9, 2012
Listened to
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"Listening is a magnetic and strange thing, a creative force. The friends who listen to us are the ones we move toward. When we are listened to, it creates us, makes us unfold and expand."
-Anonymous
Friday, April 6, 2012
Accepting Applications: Everyday Poems for St. Paul Sidewalks!
April showers have brought us green grass and clear streets soon to be decorated with flowers in full bloom and verses of poetry paved into St. Paul's city sidewalks. Public Art Saint Paul has announced that it welcomes submissions from St. Paul residents for its fifth annual sidewalk poetry contest. It's not exactly your name on a star in Hollywood, but it could be your haikus, limericks, and iambic pentameter that stop (foot) traffic this summer!
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We want your short, original poems - elegant rhymes, playful limericks, bar napkin free verse, classroom haikus... The Department of Public Works and Public Art Saint Paul invite all Saint Paul residents to enter our fifth annual sidewalk poetry contest. With 5 new winners, we will expand our collection to more than 40 poems and 500 installations across the city. There's a poet in every one of us, so help pave our streets with poetry, and enter!
Thursday, April 5, 2012
You're Invited | Corralling Conversations: A crash course in facilitation techniques
Minnesota Rising is pleased to be playing a hand in the upcoming YNPN-TC event, "Corralling Conversations: A crash course in facilitation techniques." Leveraging the "Our Minnesota" Cascading Conversations Tour, we'll be providing background on appreciative inquiry and discuss the art of one-on-ones and building trust through conversation. Join us for an exciting and interactive night of learning and dialogue!
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