[#mnrising Dispatch] June 2016

As this election year continues to heat up, we were excited last week to host a powerful event in partnership with Minnesota Public Radio's Generation Listen entitled, "Keeping It 100: Politics In Your Community," highlighting the unique civic pathways of four young Minnesota changemakers. Check out event photos online and watch for more news next month to access the broadcast or podcast featuring Nevada Littlewolf, Luis Moreno, Abeer Syedah, Kevin Vollmers, and moderated by MPR's Doualy Xaokaothao! Summer boasts ever more ways to get involved and connected to creating civic change across the state (check out the news from the network column at right for some ideas) and is also the perfect time to unwind as a resident and simply enjoy Minnesota's arts, parks, lakes, concerts, recreation, foods-on-sticks, and more with family and friends. In all cases, enjoy the sunshine and celebration of our shared natural resources and community capital!

May 10 Identity-Driven Leadership Workshop Recap

The Ashlees

On Tuesday, May 10, 2016, Minnesota Rising and sister initiative, LOCUS, hosted an identity-driven leadership workshop as a part of this year’s BushCONNECT. More than 50 people spent the day immersed in thoughtful reflection and courageous conversations about race, ranging from strategies for self-care and community healing to unpacking the meaning of allyship and empowerment. To get the day started, facilitators led participants through a series of brief exercises to emphasize individual identity exploration and active listening as the foundation for the day’s work. Aeriel and Kyle Ashlee, of Ashlee Consulting LLC, helped frame the day-long program with a story-centered lens, encouraging participants to speak from their own lived experience and value the gift of bearing witness to others’ stories. [Read more.]

Free July Trainings for People of Color

Board Repair

Board Repair is hosting two July trainings for people of color interested in nonprofit board service or already serving on boards! Those serving on their first nonprofit board or wanting to better understand nonprofit board service before committing to serve on a board can attend the Board Basics Boot Campon July 13. You'll learn typical board responsibilities, identify the nuances of board authority and relationships, and discuss how you would respond to specific board scenarios. Those who are already serving on a nonprofit board may benefit from intermediate Fundamentals of Nonprofit Finance on July 27. Become more comfortable with nonprofit finance by walking through real nonprofit examples and reports that will help you understand jargon, accounting rules, roles and responsibilities, and procedures and policies. [Read more.]