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Thursday, February 28, 2013
[Minnesota Rising Dispatch] February 2013
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
You're Invited: MINN Work-Life Balance Brown Bag Lunch
It's hard enough to balance work and life, but what about when either takes you into different time zones or overseas? The MINN Education Committee invites you to offer food for thought at their upcoming Work/Life Brown Bag Lunch Roundtable Discussion. Register today, and come prepared to share your stories and ideas and chew a bit on others'.
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Tuesday, February 26, 2013
You're Invited: Graze 4 Good
Fourth Generation is calling foodies and do-gooders alike to come out and Graze 4 Good! Your ticket gets you a variety of tastings prepared by four notable chefs, two drinks (wine or beer), and a chance to hear from Thomas Kim and Kat Melgaard of the Left Handed Cook about their experiences as local entrepreneurs. Your taste buds and heart strings will be satiated!
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Monday, February 25, 2013
Friday, February 22, 2013
You're Invited: See and Be Scene with LEAD
The LEAD Project and Hennepin Theatre Trust's The Scene are hosting, "See and Be Scene with LEAD," a special social hour at Marquee. RSVP today for a complimentary drink, an opportunity to mingle with other young professionals, to learn how you can get more involved with the Minneapolis arts and nonprofit communities!
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Thursday, February 21, 2013
You're Invited: SMBMSP Winter Tweetup
SMBMSP is teaming up with Saint Paul Tweetup to host a relaxing evening in Minneapolis at Stanley's Northeast Bar Room with the SMBMSP Winter Tweetup. Drop in for drinks, tunes, and a chance to meet some great tweeps from across the river. It's just the recipe for keeping warm amid our long, cold winter nights.
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Wednesday, February 20, 2013
You're Invited: Three Powerful Tools to Create the Book You Were Born to Write
It's the story of your life, as told by you. Ready to share it? Network Buzz is kicking off 2013 with "Three Powerful Tools to Create the Book You Were Born to Write." Join in to hear how your journey and the insights you've picked up along the way can reach readers where they're at and give them some rules for the road. Grab your pen and pad and register today!
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Tuesday, February 19, 2013
You're Invited: Social Capital Hosts "Party for Paws"
Couldn't imagine life without your furry, four-legged friend? Join Social Capital at the upcoming "Party for Paws," the next in its series of parties with a purpose. You'll get a chance to learn about and support Coco's Heart Dog and Cat Rescue, Helping Paws of Minnesota, and Wags and Whiskers Animal Rescue of Minnesota. Without a doubt, it will be a paws-itively great evening!
Social Capital Hosts "Party for Paws" on February 23, 2013 at Urban Eatery in Uptown
Join Social Capital on February 23 at Urban Eatery on the shores of Lake Calhoun for a "Party for Paws" benefiting three animal-related charities.
Social Capital is pleased to announce that it will hold its upcoming “party with a purpose" Saturday, February 23, 2013 from 9:30 p.m. until 2:00 a.m. at Urban Eatery in Minneapolis. Keeping with the model for which it has gained recognition, Social Capital will support three local non-profit organizations through this event. However, this event will be animal-related;
“People have tons of passion around helping their furry friends,” said Emily Shannon, Executive Director of Social Capital. “We've wanted to throw a party that supported three animal-related causes for a long time.”
This Social Capital event raises money just like the preceding events—Social Capital lets attendees decide how much money they want to donate and choose what charity gets their donation. Attendees can learn about each charity while at the event and can donate as little or as much as they like. This method has proven successful in the past—attracting hundreds of people and raising thousands of dollars in a single night.
This model was born from the idea that there needed people to get involved in philanthropy in a simple, fun and affordable way.
“The very reason Social Capital exists is because we believe that social networks have power and that gatherings can create change,” said Shannon. “We serve the community with that in mind.”
Those interested in learning more about the upcoming event on February 23 are encouraged to visit http://www.iamsocialcapital.org or http://www.facebook.com/iamsocialcapital for additional information.
About Social Capital
Social Capital is a Minneapolis-
Social Capital believes there is strength in numbers and that a fun night on the town can be a powerful way to do good and party with a purpose. In the end, everyone wins. Check out http://iamsocialcapital.org/
About Coco's Heart Dog and Cat Rescue of Minnesota
Coco’s Heart Dog Rescue (CHDR) is an effort grounded in love, dedication and determination. The dream of establishing this rescue started back in 2000 when a very special dog, Coco, passed away unexpectedly at age five. The loss inspired Coco’s owner, 12 year-old Ashley, to save other canine friends in his name.
In late 2009, the dream started to become a reality. Now a nonprofit organization, CHDR is 501 (c)3 status. The goal of the rescue is to have a facility to house 20 dogs at a time, foster home placement, provide preventative and medical care, basic grooming needs, microchip and a warm and welcoming shelter until a forever placement is secured. For more information, visit http://cocosheartdogrescue.org
About Helping Paws of Minnesota
The mission of Helping Paws is to further the independence of individuals with physical disabilities through the use of service dogs. Service dogs assist individuals with many tasks, enabling them to live more independent lives. Trained to pick up dropped objects, open and close doors, turn light switches on and off, and get the phone, these incredible dogs can pick up a dime, help their partner transfer into a wheelchair, and respond to a 78-word vocabulary. To learn more about how Helping Paws and the amazing service dogs they breed, train and place, visit http://www.helpingpaws.org
About Wags and Whiskers Animal Rescue of Minnesota
Wags and Whiskers Animal Rescue of MN is a volunteer run 501(c)(3), non-profit animal rescue organization dedicated to saving the lives of homeless animals and educating the community on responsible pet ownership. Wags and Whiskers does not have its own facility. Instead, all animals stay in foster homes (and occasionally boarding partners) while they wait to find their forever home. Because of this, Wags and Whiskers gets know the dogs' and cats' personalities very well and use this information to match them to an appropriate home. For more information on Wags and Whiskers, visit http://www.wagsmn.org
This model was born from the idea that there needed people to get involved in philanthropy in a simple, fun and affordable way.
“The very reason Social Capital exists is because we believe that social networks have power and that gatherings can create change,” said Shannon. “We serve the community with that in mind.”
Those interested in learning more about the upcoming event on February 23 are encouraged to visit http://www.iamsocialcapital.org or http://www.facebook.com/iamsocialcapital for additional information.
About Social Capital
Social Capital is a Minneapolis-
Social Capital believes there is strength in numbers and that a fun night on the town can be a powerful way to do good and party with a purpose. In the end, everyone wins. Check out http://iamsocialcapital.org/
About Coco's Heart Dog and Cat Rescue of Minnesota
Coco’s Heart Dog Rescue (CHDR) is an effort grounded in love, dedication and determination. The dream of establishing this rescue started back in 2000 when a very special dog, Coco, passed away unexpectedly at age five. The loss inspired Coco’s owner, 12 year-old Ashley, to save other canine friends in his name.
In late 2009, the dream started to become a reality. Now a nonprofit organization, CHDR is 501 (c)3 status. The goal of the rescue is to have a facility to house 20 dogs at a time, foster home placement, provide preventative and medical care, basic grooming needs, microchip and a warm and welcoming shelter until a forever placement is secured. For more information, visit http://cocosheartdogrescue.org
About Helping Paws of Minnesota
The mission of Helping Paws is to further the independence of individuals with physical disabilities through the use of service dogs. Service dogs assist individuals with many tasks, enabling them to live more independent lives. Trained to pick up dropped objects, open and close doors, turn light switches on and off, and get the phone, these incredible dogs can pick up a dime, help their partner transfer into a wheelchair, and respond to a 78-word vocabulary. To learn more about how Helping Paws and the amazing service dogs they breed, train and place, visit http://www.helpingpaws.org
About Wags and Whiskers Animal Rescue of Minnesota
Wags and Whiskers Animal Rescue of MN is a volunteer run 501(c)(3), non-profit animal rescue organization dedicated to saving the lives of homeless animals and educating the community on responsible pet ownership. Wags and Whiskers does not have its own facility. Instead, all animals stay in foster homes (and occasionally boarding partners) while they wait to find their forever home. Because of this, Wags and Whiskers gets know the dogs' and cats' personalities very well and use this information to match them to an appropriate home. For more information on Wags and Whiskers, visit http://www.wagsmn.org
Monday, February 18, 2013
Bound
Copyright (c) 123RF Stock Photos
"I am not bound to win, but I am bound to be true. I am not bound to succeed, but I am bound to live by the light that I have."
-Abraham Lincoln
Friday, February 15, 2013
You're Invited: Social Innovation Lab Networking Event
The Social Innovation Lab is loosening their collars and meeting after hours for a twist on their usual event structure. Join them to explore the Midtown Market, ideas for future Social Innovation Labs, and other conversation topics that spring from the inquisitive minds of those in the room. Register online and drop in for some time both social and innovative!
February 25: Social Innovation Lab Networking Event
This is a chance to connect with others from the labs in an informal, fun setting. The event will be loosely structured, with optional activities to map things you want to offer and receive in the lab network. This will also be a time to find out about other Social Innovation Lab events and opportunities, and to let us know how you’d like to collaborate with others involved with the Labs. There will be an opportunity to start or join table conversations on particular topics related to the lab. The event will be from 4:00 to 7:00 PM on Monday, February 25, 2013 at the Midtown Global Market. There is no cost to attend, but please register below.
The Midtown Global Market is in Minneapolis on Lake Street at 10th Ave. So. Participants will receive “Market Bucks” to help us collaboratively gather interesting snacks to share from the diverse mix of restaurants at the Market.
Thursday, February 14, 2013
[Blog Buddies] Trish Tschume: A Field Guide for Recognizing Millennial Leadership
It's Valentine's Day and our re-post today is full of love for those Millennials across the country who illustrate what "the next generation of change looks like." Minnesota's own Jamie Millard gets a shout-out from Trish Tschume, National Director of the Young Nonprofit Professionals Network. Thanks for elevating the ever-emerging field of Millennial leadership, y'all, and let's continue to spread the different by design love!
A Field Guide for Recognizing Millennial Leadership
Posted: 01/31/2013 10:28 am
There's a lot of talk about what "the next generation of change looks like." I spent much of my first year as National Director of the Young Nonprofit Professionals Network entrenched in discussions focused on leadership development and what this influx of millennials entering the workforce means for the nonprofit sector.
As is often reported, the millennial generation is the most racially and ethnically diverse that the United States has ever experienced. They are also the most open in their views on most social issues from religion to gender identity. And they are the most networked, preferring collaboration and teamwork, deeply invested in the wisdom of the masses, and trusting of crowd sourcing for the best ideas. This form of thinking has led to many of the social revolutions we've experienced as of late -- from the mass organizing we saw with the Occupy movement to the increasingly diverse ways we source our news.
And the people pulling these levers simply look different than the people our sector seems to be comfortable lifting up as leaders. They are brown, they are queer, sometimes they believe in God and sometimes they don't, they went to colleges you've never heard of and in many cases haven't graduated from college at all, they are documented and they are undocumented. Most noteworthy is that they are largely working en masse, known well in certain spheres by face or by avatar, then completely unknown in others, but highly influential nonetheless.
And yet as a sector we continue to insist on focusing on individual, heroic leadership (think beloved, high-impact organizations like Share Our Strength or Teach for America), searching this generation for new versions of this dated frame, and shaping formal opportunities for training and leadership development around it. In doing so, we are missing the opportunity to truly engage this generation, especially its leaders of color who, according to research, are especially drawn to more collaborative, network-driven leadership models.
Assuming that perhaps part of the problem is that, as a sector, we simply have yet to train our eyes to recognize this millennial approach to change as leadership, I thought I would offer some actual images -- something of a field guide, if you will. Below are a few folks who illustrate this new form of leadership extremely well. To read this as a list of "top millennial nonprofiteers to watch!" is to completely miss the point. I highlight them not because I believe they will eventually be the heads of powerful organizations or because they alone have created groundbreaking models for change, but because they are doing important work to move us toward a more just and equitable society -- and because who they are and how they operate makes it likely that their work will go unnoticed among the sector's establishment. More importantly, they represent a growing swath of Millennials that are doing important work in much the same way.
There's Heather Cronk, managing director of GetEqual, whose group played a major role in pushing controversial legislation like the repeal of Don't Ask Don't Tell. Her work focuses on unapologetically fighting for full LGBT equality, and in order to achieve this goal, she focuses on building networks rather than building an institution. "Many of GetEqual's core organizers work with multiple organizations, not just us. There's exponential power in that," she says. Moreover, her aim is not necessarily to build a beloved brand as many organizations are encouraged to do these days. "All social movements must have a small but mighty group of folks willing to serve as the battering ram -- willing to lose access, to lose reputation, to even lose funding streams in order to do what's right. We're happy for 'insider' groups to throw us under the bus -- in fact, I often suggest that they do so -- if it means that we all accomplish our goals faster." And it's working: "In the two and a half years that GetEQUAL has been organizing, we've seen this approach lead to a fundamental shift within the LGBT movement -- and we're now gaining more momentum and, more importantly, more concrete progress than anyone ever thought possible."
There's Hugo Polanco, who works as a Child Nutrition Programs Specialist for St. Mary's Food Bank Alliance in Phoenix. Outside of his day job, Hugo saw the changing political makeup of Arizona and the void of Latino leaders. He also recognized that while being twentysomething and Hispanic was a barrier from being seen as a leader in many spaces, it would be a major asset for recruiting the diverse campaign leaders and volunteers necessary for President Obama's reelection campaign. In his side job as an Organizing for America Fellow during the campaign season, Hugo represented the local campaign to major news outlets and helped to turn out the diverse base of voters that almost took the state in 2012.
There's Allison Jones, whose job as editor for Idealist.org is impressive in and of itself, but who is probably better known in most circles for the blog that she's maintained for the past five years. AllisonJ.org receives thousands of hits from millennials trying to figure out how to put their passion for social change into practice. As an African-American woman who grew up in the projects of Bed-Stuy and Brownsville, her social capital -- which has led Allison to be featured in outlets like Brazen Careerist and highlighted by powerful networks like Net Impact and Echoing Green -- comes not from a traditional pedigree but from her community of diverse peers who appreciate Allison's candor and passion and see their own experiences reflected in her beautifully-written, plainspoken posts.
There's Jamie Millard, a 2009 college graduate who, like so many of her generation, was left unemployed, confused, and forced to innovate. As the main wage earner of her household, she built a new, non-traditional resume that highlighted what she considers her primary identity: a storyteller. By day she's a Client Relationship Manager for Fast Horse, providing marketing services for some of the world's largest brands and most-loved nonprofits. But outside of the office, she helps her fellow nonprofiteers "find context, connections, and a little more human depth in a continually shallowing space" as publisher and editor-in-chief of Pollen (Minnesota's leading professional community for civic-minded connectors) and publishes off-the-wall, humorous fiction in Paper Darts (the literary arts magazine that she directs and co-founded).
And there are many, many more people I could be writing about.
The challenge ahead is to broaden our set of approaches to traditional work as well as talent and leadership development to make space for the wider variety of ways that this generation is working for change. Many organizations are already doing so by offering flexible schedules that allow employees to devote time to "slash careers" on the side or by encouraging employees to build their networks via organizations like YNPN. Equally important, however, and perhaps a much more personal, individual challenge will be for each of us to make peace with our current, often-heroic mental models of who and what leadership looks like. Then work tirelessly to expand that set of mental models to include folks like the ones described above.
This is what the next generation of change looks like.