You're Invited: The FIFTH Annual Tasting Event for Haiti

I had the pleasure of speaking to the Uptown Rotary Club several years ago and am continually impressed by their community-mindedness and commitment to service. Below, see an invitation to the FIFTH Annual Tasting Event for Haiti, a craft beer tasting event to assist Haiti Outreach in its ongoing to develop and improve infrastructure in Haiti! As your own glass goes bottoms-up, it'll be for the benefit of sustainable water infrastructure installations across the Haitian island. Cheers to that!

Join the Minneapolis Uptown Rotary club for a unique night of tasting fine artisan salumi, cheese and chocolate with local craft beers.

David Merrill of Merrill Foods will lead our journey through the culinary delights while Tyler Anderson of Zipp's Liquors will teach us about local craft beers specifically chosen as perfect partners.

The cost for the event is $50 per person, part of which is tax deductible.Proceeds will go to sustainable water infrastructure installations provided by Haiti Outreach.To register, please visit our website or purchase tickets directly from an Uptown Rotary Club Member.

You're Invited | SMBMSP #54: Social Media Marketing

Social Media Breakfast MSP is bringing you the bacon, and the latest on trends in social media marketing! Hear from a dynamic expert panel on topics ranging from advertising to measurement to content marketing. Registration is currently at the max, but you can add your name to the waitlist and watch the #smbmsp livestream and tweetstream Friday morning to join in the conversation!

You are invited to attend: SMBMSP #54: Social Media Marketing Friday, March 29, 2013 from 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM Twin Cities Public Television, St. Paul Social media marketing is constantly evolving and staying on top of new developments can be challenging. Join us for a lively discussion with our expert panel as they tackle advertising, measurement, content marketing, trends and your questions.  Panel Lisa Grimm  Director, PR and Emerging Media at space150 Lisa (@lulugrimm) has a strong background in integrated marketing communications with emphasis on public relations, branding social media ad digital marketing. She has diverse experience working across organizations to develop and implement purpose-driven strategic communications strategies that bridge the traditional and digital media divide. As director of PR and emerging media at space150, Lisa's time is devoted to building space150's PR and social media practice, developing and executing interactive marketing strategies for clients.  Prior to joining space150, Lisa was senior manager of social strategy for Imagination, embedded at General Mills leading social presence, strategy development and brand/product integration for Betty Crocker, Live Better America and Tablespoon. Prior, she served as digital brand manager for Mall of America where she developed and implemented its first-ever social media strategy, overhauled the Mall of America blog, focused on digital innovation and the integration of earned, owned and paid media to drive sales and traffic. Jennifer Kane  Principal, Kane Consulting Jen (@JenKaneCo) is a communications strategist with more than 15 years of experience working with B2B and B2C companies. She is a two time IABC Bronze Quill award-winner for her strategic planning and specializes in integrating traditional marketing and communications approaches with digital tools and technologies. Jennifer is part of the author community at Steamfeed and She Owns It and has been a frequent guest on the Next Stage Business Radio Network. She has guest blogged for BlogWorld and Mark Schaefer's blog, {GROW} and been syndicated on BlogHer. Her expertise in social media has been featured in Minnesota Business, Twin Cities Business, WCCO, Metro Magazine, The Line, Finance and Commerce and Minnesota Meetings and Events. She was chosen as one of the Top 10 Twin Cities Social Media Titans in 2009. Arik Hanson  Principal, ACH Communications Arik (@arikhanson) is the principal of ACH Communications, a digital communications consultancy. With more than 16 years experience in marketing and communications, Arik has worked with companies big (Sleep Number, Allina Health, General Mills) and small (Metro Dentalcare, Feed My Starving Children, Aveus) and has led and founded many digital initiatives, including: Help a PR Pro Out (HAPPO) and the first-ever Minnesota Blogger Conference. Arik's also a regular contributor to the Ragan.com, PR Daily and MinnPost. Moderator Mykl Roventine SMBMSP Director In addition to his work with SMBMSP, Mykl (@myklroventine) is an independant web designer, WordPress developer and social media strategist. He frequently speaks about social media, WordPress and typography. He co-founded and coordinates the actvities of Ignite Minneapolis and UnSummit, and runs as the local chapter of TechKaraoke Minneapolis. He has a special passion for the social web and its power to educate and inspire. Event Sponsors Annual Sponsors Twin Cities Public Television (tpt) 172 East 4th Street Saint Paul, MN 55102 Attend Event Events powered by EventBrite Copyright © 2013 Social Media Breakfast - Minneapolis/St. Paul, All rights reserved.

You're Invited | MYPEG Happy Hour: Get a Job for the Environment!

Join the Minnesota Young Professionals Environmental Group (MYPEG) for their March Happy Hour and Speaker series. Join other young, environmentally-minded professionals to get together, network, and hear from Margaret Levin, State Director of the Sierra Club North Star Chapter, on the topic of getting jobs for the environment. RSVP for today's event on the MYPEG Facebook page, and "like" it while you're there! 

Don't forget! The monthly MYPEG happy hour and speak series is happening this coming Wednesday, March 27th! Join us for cheap drinks and tasty food, and learn more about what it takes to turn your passion for the environment into a job. Getting Jobs for the Environment March 27th, 5:00 - 6:30 p.m. March Speaker Highlight Margaret Levin, State Director, Sierra Club North Star Chapter With her background, and current role as the State Director of the local Sierra Club chapter, Margaret is uniquely qualified to talk about preparing yourself for a job in an environmental organization - both from the perspective of an employer and as an activist. Margaret is State Director of the North Star Chapter. Previously she was an organizer on the Sierra Communities campaign and electoral efforts for the Sierra Club, enjoying the opportunity to work with amazing volunteer leaders across the Twin Cities area. Originally from St. Louis, Margaret has a BA in Sociology and Political Science from the University of Missouri and is working on a degree in Nonprofit Administration. Before joining the Sierra Club in 2004 she worked as a grassroots organizer with the Minnesota Public Interest Research Group and the Minnesota Senior Federation. RSVP Today! What: MYPEG March Happy Hour & Speaker When: March 27th, 5:00 - 6:30 p.m. Where: Common Roots, 2558 Lyndale Ave S, 55405                            Save your spot by signing up on our Facebook event! What is MYPEG? We're a group formed to provide opportunities for young, environmentally-minded professionals to get together, network, and have a good time. Join us at our monthly events where environmentally-conscious and passionate people gather to discuss various environmental subjects and hear from colleagues and friends about their work. Together we work to further the issues we care about. We also aim to have a good time while doing it. Copyright © 2013 Minnesota Young Professionals Environmental Group, All rights reserved.

You're Invited: RINGSIDE with LEAD

LEAD is stepping into the ring and teaming up to knock out domestic violence. Join them at Uppercut Gym in Minneapolis in support of Women's Advocates' work to provide safety, empower women, and change lives. No doubt it'll be a dynamic night out and will help pull another important punch in the fight against domestic abuse!

The LEAD Project is excited to announce our presenting sponsors Crave, Marquee, and Uber for Ringside with LEAD.  What does this mean for attendees? Door-to-door town car service from UBER with a $30 ride credit for all new UBER customers. Don't stress about parking or taxis, let UBER bring your crew! Open bar & catered Hors d'Oeuvres from the talented team at CRAVE. Continue the party at Marquee Ultra Lounge and Dance Club in downtown Minneapolis, the official Ringside with LEAD after-party location. What are you waiting for? Purchase your tickets before we SELL OUT! Once you purchase your Ringside with LEAD ticket you'll receive an email with instructions on how to redeem your $30 ride credit with UBER.  When: Friday, April 12 8:00pm-12:00am Where: Uppercut Gym Minneapolis 1324 Quincy St. NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413 Tickets:  $75.00 Ticket includes: Live Entertainment, Open Bar, Hors d'Oeuvres & More Purchase Tickets- $75.00 with Paypal Email info@theleadproject.org with questions. Be sure to RSVP on facebook at the event page "RINGSIDE with LEAD" Interested in volunteering at the event? Email hello@theleadproject.org for more info. Please note this is a 21+ event and you must have a valid ID for admission to the event. If you are purchasing tickets for additional people, please be sure to add their name as it appears on their ID in the comments section on paypal before completing your purchase. The LEAD Project is dedicated to connecting young professionals in the Twin Cities with skills-based volunteer opportunities.   Are you interested in joining The LEAD Project board? Applicants are encouraged to email hello@theLEADproject.org for more information. Copyright © 2013 The LEAD Project, All rights reserved.

Waiting for us

Copyright (c) 123RF Stock Photos 

“We must be willing to let go of the life we planned so as to have the life that is waiting for us.” 

-Joseph Campbell

You're Invited: March NAAAP Mingler

Looking to mix things up for a night? Join the National Association of Asian American Professionals Minnesota at Los Ocampo for an evening of casual networking and socializing. It's bound to be a fusion of cultures as well as working hard while playing hard!

Register Today for NAAAP-MN's March Mingler! Wednesday, March 27, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.  Los Ocampo Restaurant & Bar  Located at the intersection of White Bear Avenue & I-94 1751 Suburban Avenue, Saint Paul, MN 55106, (651) 256-2932  REGISTER TODAY  Take your career to the next level - connect with Asian American professionals in the Twin Cities area! NAAAP-MN's Minglers provide a casual, no-pressure environment for socializing and networking.  We hope to see you there! Cost: Free for NAAAP members, $5 for nonmembers  Some appetizers are provided. All dinner and beverage charges on your own. Register online before 6:00 p.m. on day of event. Walk-ins are welcome! Los Ocampo: City Pages 2012 Best Of's Best Mexican Restaurant Authentic Mexican food made with recipes handed down from many generations. www.losocampo.com   Questions about NAAAP events?  Catherine Wang or (952) 250-0146  Mary Thao or (651) 276-0589 Leadership Opportunities . Are you interested in being a part of NAAAP Minnesota's leadership team? We are currently seeking candidates for manager positions as well as committee members. Level of involvement and time commitment varies with each position. For more information, please contact Vanessa Pau.  @NAAAPMinnesota Now on twitter and facebook! We have just began using twitter and facebook pages to better engage with our members. Follow us on twitter and like us on facebook! Copyright © 2013 naaap-mn, All rights reserved.

Accepting Applications: Tempo 2013-2014 Board and Committee Members

Tempo, a membership program of Minnesota Opera for both new and seasoned opera-goers ages 21-39, invites you to their largest event of the season: The Rogue Song! Join them as they turn back the clock in style to make The Pourhouse a Prohibition-era speakeasy. If you can't join in with the flappers, flasks, and foul play, consider their invitation below to serve as a 2013-2014 board or committee member as they seek to build the next generation of opera goers!

Tempo, Minnesota Opera's YPG is looking for board and committee members for 2013-2014. Our mission is to build the next generation of opera goers. We do this through education and outreach, hosting preview events and after parties along with steep discounts to opening night tickets. We are extending our application period until April 19.

Want to join us?

Interested in applying to serve on the Tempo Board of Directors? Minnesota Opera is an amazing organization and Tempo is an important, vibrant part of it. There is much to learn from serving on this board, many interesting people to meet and amazing opportunities to be a part of one of the leading young professional groups in the Twin Cities.

The application process consists of two stages. First, you will need to complete the application and e-mail the application and a resume to tempo@mnopera.org.  Second, you will be contacted and may be requested to interview with the Board's Nominations Committee.

Download the Tempo 2013-2014 Director Application Packet

Download the Tempo 2013-2014 Committee Member Application Packet

You're Invited | Farm Hack: A Community For Farm Innovation

Farm Hack is calling all designers, farmers, engineers, makers, bike mechanics, tinkerers, and builders! Come together to develop new bike-powered tools and innovations to strengthen sustainable agriculture in the Twin Cities. While the RSVP has ended, the event is open and free to anyone; you may just need to bring your own lunch or plan to buy from the Bike Center Cafe!

Farm Hack is an open source design forum where people bring their ideas for small scale agriculture tools and innovations.

The theme for the Minneapolis Farm Hack is bike powered innovations. (think bike powered honey extractor, root washers, trailers, cultivators, seed grinders, water pumps etc.) It will be a day of working on pedal power solutions for urban agriculture, including demonstration, discussion of what we want to design and build for our agricultural needs, small group design charrettes, community building and bike tool skills.

A number of local partner organizations are planning a Farm Hack on Saturday, March 23, 2013 to be held at Freewheel Midtown Bike Center, 2834 10th Avenue S., Minneapolis from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm.

It's a free event open to everyone interested in innovating. We need a team of volunteers to make it happen!

You're Invited: 3rd Annual MN Entrepreneur Kick-off

Join Ashoka Twin Cities and a host of other hosts at the 3rd Annual Minnesota Entrepreneur Kick-off this week! The annual gathering celebrates the contributions of innovators, inventors, and start-ups who are working to grow the entrepreneurial ecosystem of Minnesota. Find details below and register for an evening of connecting, learning, and celebrating! Hat tip: If you can't afford the ticket, you may still be able to connect with Joy to volunteer at the registration table before taking part in the rest of the event gratis.

Turn your face to the sun

Copyright (c) 123RF Stock Photos 

"Turn your face to the sun and the shadows fall behind you." 

 -Maori Proverb

Building the mental rolodex with cascading conversations!

I wanted to take a minute to reflect on my experience participating in Minnesota Rising’s Cascading Conversations Tour, so far.  The Cascading Conversations Tour was designed to help build trust between two people through one-on-one conversations. I have been fortunate enough to have Cascading Conversations with all kinds of people – friends, colleagues, complete strangers, acquaintances, etc., and needless to say: no two conversations are the same. 

Using the Minnesota Rising Blueprint as my guide, each conversation starts out the same, but that is where the similarities end. To be perfectly honest, I cannot recall off hand exactly how many people I have hosted in a Cascading Conversation, but I can tell you that each conversation has provided me an opportunity to learn, grow, and understand other people’s perspectives. Every single conversation has had an impact in my daily life.

Sharing stories is one of the most effective ways to build trust. Even when I have a Cascading Conversation with people that I already know, I am always surprised by their answers and I find that I always learn something new about the person. Throughout the conversation, people share stories from their past, their hopes for the future and advice to take away. I store these take-a-ways in my mental rolodex, and apply these words to live by as I need to. The part that is truly unique about these conversations is how deep they go and how invested you become with what the Tour is creating.

If you have not had a chance to take part in the Cascading Conversation Tour, I want to personally invite you to join in the Conversation! Email me at heidismith2002[at]gmail.com.

You're Invited: Minnesota Rising Fail Lab Planning Meeting

By this time in the year, most New Year's Resolutions have already met their untimely fates. The way we see it, there's no better time to begin planning for Minnesota Rising's first learning lab, "FailLab: Failing Into the Future." Slated for Saturday, May 4, 2013, we intend to spend our time together actively practicing failing, sharing and exploring stories of past failures, and considering how we can leverage the individual and collective lessons in failure for improving the future of Minnesota and our communities. We invite you to save-the-date and if you're interested, join us at our March planning meeting to craft and shape a productive learning (and failing) environment. As they say, "If at first you don't succeed, call it Version 1.0." 

Minnesota Rising #FailLab Planning Meeting
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
6:00pm - 8:00pm
Grassroots Solutions
Large Conference Room
RSVP to minnesotarising[at]gmail.com by Friday, March 22

You're Invited: Minnesota Rising Idea Open House for the Forever Saint Paul Challenge

We're excited to be co-hosting tomorrow's Forever Saint Paul Idea Open House at CoCo Minneapolis and are hopeful to engage participants in a few key cascading conversation questions! Join us, the Citizens League Emerging Leaders, and Marcus Harcus, for a chance to dream up and share your $1 million idea for making Saint Paul shine. Learn more and RSVP below - we look forward to seeing you and your big ideas tomorrow evening!

Join us at an Idea Open House in our community!

Do you have a million-dollar idea for Saint Paul's future? Together with the Forever Saint Paul Challenge, Minnesota Rising invites you to attend an Idea Open House on March 14 from 5:00-7:00 p.m., at CoCo in Minneapolis.

This special event is open to all Minnesotans and is a way for you to learn more about the Forever Saint Paul Challenge, get inspired, brainstorm your million-dollar idea, and/or submit your million-dollar idea!  We know our community has great ideas, and we would love to see the winning idea come from the Minnesota Rising network!

Please join us at the Minneapolis Idea Open House, for an evening of fun for the whole family, with enjoyable activities and free food! Feel free to stop by, or stay for the whole time.

So, are you ready to share what you would do with $1 million to make Saint Paul great?

Submit your million-dollar idea at an Idea Open House and you will have the chance to win a $50 gift card to a local restaurant. RSVP now! [http://conta.cc/VHdfXq] Learn more about the Forever Saint Paul Challenge at MNIdeaOpen.org/foreversaintpaul.

Accepting Applications: Kohl's Cares Scholarship for Youth

Youthprise, which seeks to accelerate leadership and innovation beyond the classroom, has passed on the following opportunity for the 2013 Kohl's Cares Scholarship Program. Recognizing youth ages six to 18 who have made a positive impact on their community through volunteerism, the program is an opportunity to provide scholarship funding to outstanding local youth. Know someone whose efforts should be acknowledged and encouraged? Consider nominating them by the March 15 deadline at kohlskids.com!

HOME ABOUT US GRANTMAKING TAKE ACTION RESOURCES NEWS CONTACT                                            Kohl's Cares Scholarship Program Now Accepting Nominees We are thrilled to share an exciting opportunity for young people in your community! Kohl's is now accepting nominations for the 2013 Kohl's Cares Scholarship Program. This scholarship program is different than others, in that Kohl's recognizes youth ages six to 18 who have made a positive impact on their community through volunteerism. Nominations will be accepted now through March 15 at kohlskids.com. Please help us spread the word so that Kohl's may provide scholarship funding to outstanding youth in your area. Please see the press release below for additional program details and let me know if you have any questions. Thanks! FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Ashely Thill, 414-227-3417 or athill@c-k.com   KOHL'S CARES® SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM ACCEPTING NOMINATIONS FEBRUARY 1 – MARCH 15 FOR OUTSTANDING YOUNG VOLUNTEERS Kohl's is honoring more than 2,300 youth, ages six to 18, who have made a positive impact on their communities with more than $425,000 in scholarships and prizes; top winners receive $10,000 each MENOMONEE FALLS, Wis., February 1, 2013 – The Kohl's Department Stores(NYSE: KSS) Kohl's Cares® Scholarship Program will award more than $425,000 in scholarships and prizes this year. Ranging from $50 Kohl's gift cards to $10,000 scholarships, more than 2,300 young volunteers who have made a positive impact on their communities will be selected. Nominations for kids ages six to 18 will be accepted February 1 – March 15 at kohlskids.com. To nominate volunteers ages six to 18 for a Kohl's Cares scholarship, visit kohlskids.com. Nominations are accepted February 1 through March 15, and nominators must be 21 years or older. Two nominees from each of the more than 1,100 Kohl's stores nationwide will win a $50 Kohl's gift card, and more than 200 will win regional scholarships worth $1,000 toward post-secondary education. Ten national winners will be awarded a total of $10,000 in scholarships for post-secondary education, and Kohl's will donate $1,000 to a nonprofit organization on each national winner's behalf.  Since the Kohl's Cares Scholarship Program began in 2001, Kohl's has recognized more than 17,000 kids with more than $3.4 million in scholarships and prizes. In 2013, Kohl's celebrates its 13th year of rewarding young volunteers. Below are just a couple of examples of the outstanding youth recognized during last years' program. In 2012, Kohl's honored national winner Brianna Moore, 15, from Detroit, Michigan who collected, decorated and delivered food baskets that fed more than 400 families in her community, along with collecting and providing hats and gloves for approximately 320 local school children to keep them warm during the harsh Detroit winter. Regional winner, Mackenzie Bearup, 18, was recognized for founding Sheltering Books, Inc., an organization that has collected and donated more than 100,000 books to children in homeless shelters in 35 states and underprivileged school children in the Dominican Republic and Jamaica. The Kohl's Cares® Scholarship Program is part of Kohl's Cares®, Kohl's philanthropic program focused on improving the lives of children. Kohl's Cares® benefits children's health and education initiatives nationwide through its merchandise program, featuring special books and plush toys where 100 percent of net profit benefits children's initiatives; fundraising gift cards for schools and youth serving organizations and the Associates in Action associate volunteer program. For more information or a list of past Kohl's Cares Scholarship Program winners, visit kohlskids.com. About Kohl's Department Stores Based in Menomonee Falls, Wis., Kohl's (NYSE: KSS) is a family-focused, value-oriented specialty department store offering moderately priced, exclusive and national brand apparel, shoes, accessories, beauty and home products in an exciting shopping environment. With a commitment to environmental leadership, Kohl's operates 1,146 stores in 49 states. In support of the communities it serves, Kohl's has raised more than $208 million for children's initiatives nationwide through its Kohl's Cares® cause merchandise program, which operates under Kohl's Cares, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Kohl's Department Stores, Inc. For a list of store locations and information, or for the added convenience of shopping online, visit www.Kohls.com, or join the discussion on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/kohls or Twitter http://twitter.com/Kohls.  Copyright © 2013 Youthprise, All rights reserved.