[#mnrising Dispatch] July 2016

Together with so many other Minnesotans, we are grieving the loss of trust, hope, and life that our community has experienced so profoundly this month. At this time, caring for ourselves and one another, in order to create connection where there may be a sense of isolation and to feel gratitude when the amount of loss can seem overwhelming, is critical to being able to move forward in addressing inequity at all levels. Moving forward, it is clear that we need more capacity and skills to lead in this time - the ability to hold multiple contradictory and coexisting realities, a nuanced understanding of institutional power and intersectional lives, an open-hearted curiosity that seeds generative questions and possibilities, and personal and community resilience to grow and sustain over time. May we acknowledge and respect the life of our fallen fellow Millennial Minnesotan, Philando, by committing to increasing our donations, conversations, advocacy, and showing up, particularly in this election year (in the spirit of Keeping It 100 in Minnesota). #RestInPower

MSP Welcome Survey

MSP Welcome

Whether you have lived in Minneapolis-Saint Paul for one day or many years, the people of this region welcome you. A team of your neighbors from companies, community organizations, colleges and universities, and elsewhere is working together through Make It. MSP. to learn more about your experience moving to MSP so we can do better. MSP Welcome is a chance to hear from you. This survey was designed using insight that 50 newcomers shared in a series of discussions earlier this year. Make It. MSP. aims to take what you share with us to work harder and smarter to welcome and integrate new residents from around the world. The survey should take roughly 15 minutes of your time to help make a major impact in MSP. At the end of the survey you'll be given an option to enter for a chance to win Target gift cards and tickets to this summer’s TEDxMinneapolis festival. Thank you for sharing your insight! [Take survey.]

Nominate: Ten Outstanding Young Minnesotans

JCI Minnesota

Since 1950 the Minnesota Jaycees have acknowledged the efforts and accomplishments of young adults who have contributed to our state through their service, thought and influence, community involvement, or entrepreneurship. The Ten Outstanding Young Minnesotans program is Minnesota’s only statewide recognition program for outstanding young leaders. The program acknowledges the efforts of individuals between the ages of 18 and 40. Past recipients include some very well-known names: Vice President Walter Mondale, Senator Dave Durenberger, and Baseball Hall of Famer Dave Winfield just to name a few. At this time JCI Minnesota is still accepting nominations for TOYM. Nominations are due no later than August 1, 2016. [Read more.]

Summer 4Play

Make It. MSP.

Minnesota's four seasons offer plenty of opportunities 4Play. Join us for Summer 4Play when we return to Fort Snelling State Park on July 30 between 11:00am - 4:00pm. 4Play provides a safe space where experimentation is encouraged. Try a new activity for the first time or stick with a trusty favorite that works for you - there's no wrong way to do it. Dozens of outdoor activities – from simple to extreme – will be coordinated into a regional play day. Every activity will be staffed by a local organization so anyone can learn how to safely participate. Fun people from all over MSP will come together at Snelling Lake Beach at historic Fort Snelling for Summer 4Play. We'll canoe, hike, bike, eat, dance, laugh and make new friends! All for FREE! Join us! All that's required is you and an open mind. [Read more.]

Board Recruitment Fair for People of Color

Board Repair

Are you a person of color looking to join a board or a nonprofit organization in the Twin Cities seeking to diversify your board of directors? Join Board Repair and partners to table at the second annual Board Recruitment Fair on August 17, 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Oxford Community Center (also known as Jimmy Lee Recreation Center). Our goal is to introduce hundreds of people of color with various skills and backgrounds who are interested in joining boards to potential board openings. Please feel free to come with friends – invite them! Come for the whole time or just a bit. We will also provide light refreshments and are planning to have some fun prizes! [Read more.]