[Minnesota Rising Dispatch] January 2014

[#mnrising Dispatch] January 2014 Happy 2014, and Happy Lunar New Year! Our recent 2014 Groupthink & Goals Gathering revealed three key areas of work for this coming year, including a focus on expanding and broadening the reach of the "Our Minnesota" Cascading Conversations Tour, hosting several Collaborative Competence Learning Labs (watch for details soon about a March event in partnership with Torch Community) on urgent and generative topics, and further strengthen the online and offline infrastructure that supports Minnesota Rising's mission to build trust, relationships, and a shared vision, and to develop the collective capacity of the rising generation to impact Minnesota's future. Minnesota Rising is looking forward to head into the Year of the Horse at full gallop and invites you to join us as we're off to the races!  Built to adapt Diane Tran, YNPN Twin Cities Blog   Hosted on November 16, 2013, the Minnesota Rising 2013 Un/Conference: Cultivating Capacity for Collective Leadership was a great success by the numbers, featuring 125 attendees, 14 breakout sessions (including 4 Open Space sessions generated that morning), 9 sponsors, and 27 Network Partners. Workshop topics spanned the art of facilitating conversations that matter, low-cost or no-cost spatial analysis and mapping tools, building networks and careers through peer mentoring, and philanthropy trends for the rising generation. The agenda was jam-packed and fast-paced, and per the evaluation comments, sparked innumerable connections, newly highlighted incredible organizations and opportunities, and prompted lots of fun and merriment! [Read more.] The Ann E. Answers Guide Goff Public   The onslaught of new technologies - from social media to smartphones - can be both a blessing and a curse for the business world and beyond, as people try to navigate the complexities of etiquette in the modern workplace. There is not an established set of rules for good manners in this modern communities age - but there should be. That's why the staff of Goff Public wrote The Ann E. Answers Guide to Communications Etiquette in the Digital Age. Ann E. Answers, a fictional creation by Goff Public employees, deals with both common and not-so-common etiquette questions. She embodies the collective knowledge of our staff, based on decades of experience helping people and companies protect their reputations and maintain their relationships. And she dispenses it all in a fun, commonsensical approach - with a bit of sass. All proceeds from the sale of the book will be donated to Dress for Success - Twin Cities. [Read more.] Fulbright-National Geographic Digital Storytelling Fellowship U.S. Department of State & National Geographic Society The Fulbright-National Geographic Digital Storytelling Fellowship is a new program that provides opportunities for U.S. citizens to participate in an academic year of overseas travel and digital storytelling in up to three countries on a globally significant social or environmental topic. This Fellowship is made possible through a partnership between the U.S. Department of State and the National Geographic Society. Through the Fulbright-National Geographic Digital Storytelling Fellowship, Fulbrighters will undertake an in-depth examination of a globally relevant issue or issues, comparing and contrasting how that issue or issues is experienced across borders. Using a variety of digital storytelling tools - including text, photography, video, audio, graphic illustrations, and/or social media - Fellows will tell their stories (or the stories of those they meet) by publishing their work on National Geographic digital platforms, with the support of National Geographic's editorial team. [Read more.] RFP: 2014 Nonprofit Leadership Conference Minnesota Council of Nonprofits   The 2014 Nonprofit Leadership Conference is taking place on Thursday, June 26 at the McNamara Alumni Center at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis. We invite presenters knowledgeable in current leadership topics to submit a proposal by Friday, February 7 at 5pm. This year's conference delves into the theme of Exploring Diverse Voices. Through this theme, we hope to engage nonprofit leaders in discussions about the diverse voices present in our sector, our communities and our organizations. Learn more about submitting a proposal to present at the 2014 Nonprofit Leadership Conference. Also, whether or not you submit a proposal, we hope you'll save the date to attend the conference! [Read more.]     Friend on Facebook Follow on Twitter Forward to a Friend News from the Network Updates and events with our esteemed network partners and collaborators! An Evening with Ka Vang: Artivism - Creating Community Through the Arts MN Original Thursday, February 6, 2014 7:00pm -  9:00pm Minnesota Humanities Center Be Heard MN Youth Poetry Slam Series TruArtSpeaks Thursday, February 7, 2014 Southwest High School 6:00pm - 8:00pm Economic Contributions of Immigrants Twin Cities Research Group Brown Bag Speaker Series Wednesday, February 13, 2014 12:00pm - 1:00pm Wilder Foundation The Power of Partnerships for Social Enterprises Social Enterprise Alliance Twin Cities Featuring Sondra Samuels, NAZ President & CEO Thursday, February 13, 2014 4:00pm - 6:30pm Break the Bubble #8 Roller Garden, St. Louis Park Saturday, February 15, 2014 4:30pm - 6:30pm Fifth Annual Sustainability Conference: Perspectives on Human Trafficking Argosy University Thursday, February 20, 2014 8:00am - 3:30pm Eagan, MN   Making Our #MNRising Mark! Don't forget to tag your upcoming emerging leader events, thoughts, musings, and more,#mnrising, on Twitter and Facebook. Let's aggregate and organize ourselves for increased interaction and potential for collaboration!

Copyright © 2014 Minnesota Rising, All rights reserved.

Accepting Applications: Community Organizing Apprenticeship

Want to gain the skills to help bring about social change in your community? Consider applying for the Community Organizing Apprenticeship with OAP and take part in a six-month training program. Open to emerging and mid-level organizers as well as leaders, applications are due January 31, so don't delay!

Community Organizing Apprenticeship

The community organizing apprenticeship supports organizers and leaders in building leadership, relationships, power, and vision for their racial justice campaigns. OAP is accepting applications for the 2014 Apprentice Class until January 31.

OAP’s six months of intensive training includes racial justice analysis, relationship-building opportunities, and practical skill building for organizers working for racial, cultural, social and economic justice in Minnesota.  In 2012/2013, we are offering training opportunities for both emerging organizers, mid-level organizers and leaders.

Applicants who have been accepted into the Apprenticeship Program join 12-16 other apprentices in a six-month training process. Apprentices are connected with a mentor and placement organization for practical experience and to develop an organizing workplan.  The OAP intensive training component takes place over two days each month of the apprenticeship. 

OAP works with a growing pool of effective trainers who connect the basics of community organizing with on-the-ground organizing experience.   While there is no monetary cost for the Apprenticeship Program, there is an expectation that apprentices will participate fully at all training sessions scheduled. In addition, there is an equal expectation that mentors will invest in the development of the apprentices, creating a workplan and meeting regularly to assess progress. 

To learn more about the program and the 2014 application process, see the Apprenticeship Application Process and the Letter of Inquiry Questions. Please contact Salvador Miranda atmiranda@oaproject.org or 612-746-4224 with any questions. Also, read more about some of our accomplishments.

You're Invited | SMBMSP #62: Search and Social

Searching for next your monthly dose of bacon and social media? SMBMSP #62 offers insight into Google's modern major algorithm changes and tasty, greasy bacon. Read on for the full menu and register online to learn about the evolution of the search landscape!

Register now for: SMBMSP #62 - Search and Social: Inside Google's New "Hummingbird" Algorithm Friday, January 31, 2014 from 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM Google's search algorithms are always evolving. They go by the names of penguin, panda, and now hummingbird — each has changed the search results pages and the balance of which types of online experiences earn organic search traffic. What does it mean for social media marketers and how can they take advantage of this new era where Google is better not only at knowing what you want but who on the web can help you best? Twin Cities search industry vets Josh Braaten and Jeff Sauer will offer insights from two experienced perspectives on the evolution of the search landscape and how social media professionals can capitalize on the changes. At this Social Media Breakfast you'll learn: Succinct and helpful strategies for understanding Google's modern major algorithm changes: Hummingbird, Panda, and Penguin.  How social media plays into Google's algorithms and how to prepare for the future of concepts and entities What are the best tools for measuring social media and social engine marketing overlap and success? Featured Speakers Josh Braaten (@JLBraaten) is the Director of Inbound Marketing at Collegis Education, where he and his team apply learns from different online marketing disciplines to help grow owned, earned, and shared channels for the higher education industry. The Collegis Eduation team recently won Best In-House Search Team at the US Search Awards in association with Pubcon earlier this year in Las Vegas for their unique combination of search, social, conversion, analytics and content marketing tactics as the in-house search marketing team at Rasmussen College. In his spare time, Josh volunteers as the Vice President of the Minnesota Search Engine Marketing Association and is an active Glass Explorer. Jeff Sauer (@jeffsauer) is a Digital Marketing Consultant, Speaker and Teacher based out of Minneapolis, MN in the USA. Jeff is an expert in Google Analytics and SEO who helped Three Deep Marketing become one of Inc Magazine's fastest growing companies in America in 2010-2013. Brand names such as Gerber, James Hardie, Travelers, Medtronic and Nestle have relied on Jeff's advice to guide their online marketing programs. As a serial entrepreneur, Jeff is currently working on bringing startup ideas to life while also becoming an adjunct faculty instructor at the University of St. Thomas. Jeff was named the 2012 CIO of the Year in Minneapolis and serves on the board of directors for the Minnesota Search Marketing Association and the Minnesota Interactive Marketing Association. Annual & In-Kind Sponsors                                                                             514 Studios 514 North 3rd Street Minneapolis, MN 55401 Attend Event Events powered by EventBrite Copyright © 2013 Social Media Breakfast - Minneapolis/St. Paul, All rights reserved.

You're Invited: Telling Your Story Workshop

Laura Zabel is helping to headline the next edition of Weber Shandwick's Telling Your Story. Offering six hours of engaging public relations training designed for nonprofit organizations, the presenting groups invite you to come with your questions and concerns for consideration. Register soon to save your seat, as this workshop typically sells out fast!

ABOUT TELLING YOUR STORY

---

Weber Shandwick’s Telling Your Story workshop is a free, six-hour interactive public relations training session designed to help nonprofit organizations address their communications goals, questions and concerns. This year’s workshop will be held on Saturday, Feb. 8, 2014 from 8 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. at the University of Thomas in St. Paul, Minn.

This year’s workshop is again co-sponsored by the University of St. Thomas Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) chapter.

2014 Panelists

Laura Zabel, Springboard for the Arts
Laura Zabel is executive director of Springboard for the Arts, an economic and community development agency based in Minnesota. Springboard provides programs that help artists make a living and a life; and programs that help communities tap into the resource that artists provide. Springboard's programs have been replicated in more than 50 communities across the country. Laura is a frequent speaker on topics related to arts and community development at convenings such as the Aspen Ideas Festival, Urban Land Institute and Americans for the Arts. Laura was recently named one of the 50 most influential people in the U.S. Nonprofit Arts and received the 2012 Visionary Leader award from the MN Council of Nonprofits. She has been one of Minneapolis Business Journal's 40 Under Forty and Minnesota Monthly’s 12 Minnesotans Who Can See the Future. Laura serves on advisory boards for the Knight Foundation, Twin Cities LISC and the University of Kansas.

Laura Cederberg, American Swedish Institute
Communications & Marketing Manager

Sona Mehring from CaringBridge

Founder and CEO, CaringBridge

No absolute standard

Copyright (c) 123RF Stock Photos

"There is certainly no absolute standard of beauty. That precisely is what makes its pursuit so interesting."

-John Kenneth Galbraith

You're Invited: MINN Lunch at Emily's Lebanese Deli

The Minnesota International NGO Network (MINN) is ringing in 2014 just a few days ahead of the Lunar New Year. Join them at Emily's Lebanese Deli for a lunch gathering organized by the MINN Social Committee. Take this opportunity to celebrate what the new year has brought so far and/or prepare for what the Year of the Horse promises!

MINN's New Year Lunch at Emily's Lebanese Deli (1/29)

Please join the MINN Social Committee as it coordinates the MINN New Year lunch Wednesday, January 29th at 12 pm at Emily's Lebanese Deli located at 641 University Ave NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413. This lunch is a popular, low stress opportunity to gobble up some yummy food and connect with peers. This event is open to both MINN members and non-members.  

Read more

You're Invited: 2014 Minnesota Women's Economic Security Summit

Join the Minnesota Coalition for Women's Economic Security in unlocking equal opportunities for women. The 2014 Minnesota Women's Economic Security Summit will feature state legislators, community leaders, and advocates, and you're invited to the table to be a part of the conversation about breaking down barriers to economic equality. See below for more details and to register!

There are too many barriers holding Minnesota women back.  Despite some recent progress at both the state and federal level, there is more work to do when it comes to the economic security of women in Minnesota. From wages and benefits to work-family balance to caring for children and families, we are calling on policy makers in Minnesota to address the challenges we face - which will improve the lives not only of women but of all Minnesotans. Join us on January 30, from 8AM-Noon, at the Kelly Inn, to hear state legislators, community leaders, and advocates discuss the policies we need now to break down barriers to economic security for all. Reducing barriers is not just the right thing to do, it builds a stronger economic foundation for all of us.  Providing equal opportunities and pay for women who make up half of the state's workforce is critical to our state's economic future. With your involvement and support, we can take significant action in the 2014 session to bring down economic barriers for women and build a more productive, stronger Minnesota together. Date: Thursday, January 30 Time: 8 AM to Noon Place: Kelly Inn, St. Paul  Register now!  Space is limited. Sponsored by the founding members of the the Minnesota Coalition for Women's Economic Security:

The Minnesota Women's Consortium | 550 Rice Street | Saint Paul | MN | 55103

You're Invited: Break the Bubble #7!

Join the waitlist for Break the Bubble #7 this Friday at 612 Brew for a chance to meet folks who want to get into your personal space . . . in a good way. Come prepared to make new friends, enjoy some local brew, and kick off the weekend with high energy and good fun!

Break the Bubble #7: Friday, January 24th @ 612 Brew Registration for Break the Bubble #7 is now live! When? Friday, January 24 at 8 p.m. Where? 612 Brew Details? Check the registration page to find out. Social Media? Did you know that BtB has it's own Instagram AND Twitter? Look us up, if you're into that: @btbmpls Cheers, Your Break the Bubble organizers - Matt D., Nora, Jess, Jen, Mario, Christina and Matt J. Copyright © 2014 Break the Bubble, All rights reserved.

You're Invited | LWV Minnesota: Emerging Leaders Conversation

LWV Minnesota has been hard at work since 1919 and has still got a lot of fight left in them. They're inviting you to join the cause of supporting a stronger democracy through protecting voter rights and engaging in civic leadership. Bring your honest opinions and join them for a conversation about The Emerging League - details below!

The Emerging League Are you ready to participate? Check out the Facebook Event  96 years ago, they won the right to vote. Today, LWV Minnesota is still fighting for voter rights, for a stronger democracy, and ensuring you have a voice in shaping public policy.  This is an opportunity for you to shape the League of Women Voters Minnesota. As an emerging leader (or friend and ally of emerging leaders), we want to hear from you. Your experiences and opinions will continue to make the League relevant to our community and the strength of our democracy. Join the Conversation Bring your strong, honest opinions and stories. Stay for the light dinner, beer, wine, and fantastic company. All current, past, and prospective LWV Members age 35 & under are invited. Thursday, January 23rd, 6-8 PM LWV Minnesota, 550 Rice Street, St. Paul Download and share the flyer RSVP to info@lwvmn.org or the Facebook Event Page For more info contact: Anika Walz awalz@lwvmn.org or 651.224.5445 ext 230 Sincerely,  Anika Walz Membership and Administrative Coordinator

League of Women Voters Minnesota 550 Rice Street, Saint Paul, Minnesota 55103 P: 651.224.5445 |  www.lwvmn.org  |  info@lwvmn.org

The width of it

Copyright (c) 123RF Stock Photos

"I don't want to get to the end of my life and find that I just lived the length of it. I want to have lived the width of it as well."

-Diane Ackerman

You're Invited | Policy and a Pint: Minnesota and Race in the 21st Century

Join the Citizens League and 89.3 The Current for a special Policy and a Pint on Minnesota and Race in the 21st Century. Hosted on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Steve Seel will engage Nekima Levy-Pounds, Antonio Cardona, and Chris Stewart in a discussion about keeping Dr. King's dream alive in a diversifying Minnesota rife with disparities. On this day-on (as opposed to a day-off), you're invited in show up and speak up!

Policy and a Pint: Minnesota and Race in the 21st Century Citizens League and 89.3 The Current Monday, January 20, 2014 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM (CST) Minneapolis, MN On a special Martin Luther King Day edition of Policy and a Pint, we'll have a conversation about race in Minnesota and in America at large - where we've been, and where we're going.  We’ve made progress since the civil rights struggles the 1960s, but where do we want to be in the 21st century?  We’ll go beyond racial disparities and the achievement gap to real-world questions about how to bring about King’s dream of economic justice, and how we want today's more diverse Minnesota to evolve and thrive.  Join host Steve Seel and guests Nekima Levy-Pounds, Director of the Community Justice Project at the University of St. Thomas School of Law, Antonio Cardona, Director of the Urban Institute for Service and Learning, and Chris Stewart, Executive Director at the African American Leadership Forum.  Doors open at 5:30, program begins at 6 pm.  Policy and a Pint is presented by 89.3 The Current and The Citizens League, with support from Target Corporation.

Accepting Applications: EPIP-YNPN Leadership Institute!

I'm jazzed to be a part of the planning team for the soon-to-be launching YNPN-EPIP Leadership Institute and very excited to announce that we are now accepting applications for this cohort-based co-created leadership program! Read on for the program overview, to get a glimpse of whether it's a fit for you, and for additional FAQs. Please consider applying yourself or nominating someone in the nonprofit and philanthropic sectors who you think would would appreciate being thought of!

Are you a 20-30-something? Do you work in the nonprofit and/or philanthropic sector? Fired up about your work and want to see that flame burn strong throughout your career? Well that takes fuel, that takes space, and that takes tending.  

YNPN Twin Cities and EPIP Minnesota are partnering to offer a unique cohort experience. The experience is aimed at encouraging exploration of the big career questions you’ve been asking and will continue to ask while doing some serious skill swapping and network weaving across the local foundation and nonprofit worlds.

Whether harnessing your hellfire or holding your sacred blue flame, we invite you to join us to gain the skills you need to build a network to support your growth and develop a concrete roadmap — including goals, strategies, action steps, and accountability — to help you truly make the most of your career!

Leadership Institute FAQs

Is there a fee to participate?

Nope. Accessibility is the name of the game. Participants are, however, asked to fully commit to all aspects of the program, even if we’re not collecting your hard-earned cash.

Is there an age-limit for participants?

No. YNPN and EPIP programming in general is geared toward individuals in their 20^’s and 30’s. If the descriptions we’ve provided resonate with you, we encourage you to apply. Also, feel free to contact us at LeadInMN(at)gmail(dot)com to talk things through if you still have questions.

Who should apply?

Emerging leaders in the philanthropic and nonprofit sectors looking for a “community of practice” to establish the habits, relationships, and support systems that will make our journeys -- in our work and communities -- sustainable.

This experience is aimed at encouraging exploration of the big career questions you’ve been asking and will continue to ask while doing some serious skill swapping and network weaving across the local foundation and nonprofit worlds.

We are seeking a diverse mix of twenty-four 20- and 30-somethings in the nonprofit and philanthropic sectors, ideally split evenly between nonprofit and foundation professionals. Applicants must:

• Be a member of YNPN Twin Cities or EPIP Minnesota
• Be committed to the nonprofit and philanthropic sectors
• Be prepared to be an active participant
• Be able to commit to the program timeline

What is the time commitment?

This will be a 10-month intensive cohort program: April 2014 through January 2015. The Institute includes two two-day retreats to kick off and conclude the program (the late afternoon of April 11th - late afternoon April 12, 2014 and the late afternoon of January 16th - late afternoon January 17, 2015)

The group will meet for monthly 2-hour evening sessions on 2nd Tuesdays from April 2014 through January 2015 at 6 - 8 pm. In addition, the group will be encouraged to attend a community event each month (e.g., Minnesota Council on Foundations event, YNPN Twin Cities or EPIP event, Nexus Community Partners event, etc.) and meet for conversation before or after the event.

What is the program content and structure?

To help anchor the sessions highlighted above, participants will meet with mentoring circles of 4 individuals each for small group connections and support.

We will augment time spent together with selected readings, personal challenges, and reflective exercises between sessions.

Co-creation in action: This program is being created by emerging professionals, for emerging professionals. YNPN and EPIP have designed this with co-creation in mind, planning the opening retreat and first few sessions to include time for the cohort to figure out what they want to contribute and get out of this experience, and then being active in co-creating that experience through rotating team planning and facilitation on a topic of interest. In other words, the April, May, June, and January sessions will be designed and facilitated by the YNPN/EPIP planning committee. For July-December, cohort participants will design and facilitate the monthly sessions with and for each other.

How will this experience benefit me?

Through this program, you will:

1. Expand your network, building deep, sustained relationships with local nonprofit and philanthropic professionals.
2. Practice useful habits of reflection, individually and in groups, to address the cyclical questions about your life, leadership and career.
3. Actively participate in a shared leadership experience and build facilitation, presentation and collaboration skills by sharing around a topic of your choice.
4. Conduct a career refresh or re-charge in a supportive and accountable environment.

How do I apply?

Complete our online application, which requires a letter of recommendation from an individual who can speak to your dedication and commitment to developing yourself and others professionally. The application deadline is January 31, 2014. Our selection team will be in touch with all applicants by the end of January.

What are the selection criteria?

Applications will be reviewed and participants selected based on his/her:

• Interest in developing skills as a leader and engaging in rigorous professional development.
• Willingness to be flexible, learn, implement changes and grow.
• Evidence of ability to be a team player.
• Potential impact of the experience on an organization and the larger community.

Additional questions?

Please don’t hesitate to contact us at LeadInMN(at)gmail(dot)com with any additional questions, or if you’d just like to talk about how this unique cohort experience might align with wherever you find yourself on your own leadership journey. We’d also love to see you at one of our upcoming information sessions. 

- See more at: http://www.ynpntwincities.org/faqs/#sthash.fNPhrdmo.dpuf

You're Invited | High Resolution: Getting Your 2014 Goals Into Focus

A nerd about New Year's resolutions, I'm grateful that YNPN Twin Cities is herding up others who want to engage in self-reflection and intention-setting for 2014. Join us at "High Resolution: Getting your 2014 Goals Into Focus" for an evening of interactive exercises and thoughtful conversation. Best yet, you'll walk away with a small circle of like-minded peers who can be a part of your success in 2014!

Commit to your goals with the help of a peer network! To kick off 2014, YNPN-TC invites you to a goal-setting workshop led by Diane Tran. Wednesday, January 29 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm Sweeney's Saloon, St. Paul Register Now How will you be a better leader this year? Will it involve finding new volunteer opportunities, a new job, or challenging yourself more in your current position? We know one thing for sure: you'll be more likely to succeed with a group of like-minded peers you can turn to for advice and support. To kick off 2014, YNPN-TC invites you to a goal-setting workshop led by Diane Tran. It will include activities to help you:  Explore your vision for your life in 2014 Assess your current activities and what's making you happy Imagine what you want in the future and how to get it You'll be pre-matched with a small group to form a peer mentor circle that will help you support each other beyond the event to make your goals a reality. Join us to examine your life now, where you want to be, and how to get there. Space is limited, register early! Photo cc Michael Dales

Copyright © 2013 YNPN Twin Cities, All rights reserved.