[#mnrising Dispatch] August 2016

A change of seasons approaches, marked by familiar traditions like first weeks back to school, the Minnesota State Fair, campaign ads during a presidential election year as well as a continual and ever-urgent need to find ways to connect and build trust amidst a larger sense of community change, grief, and growth. We invite you to consider the upcoming events and opportunities in this edition of the #mnrising Dispatch to explore issues of race, politics, community, and leadership with local organizations, including convenings with Minnesota Rising and LOCUS later this month. In the way that the autumn air and fall colors urge a rich, more reflective pace, we offer you a stirring quote from Iyanla Vanzant: “It’s time for you to move, realizing that the thing you are seeking is also seeking you.”

2016 Connect MSP Survey for Professionals of Color

Make It. MSP.

Welcome to the 2016 Connect MSP survey for professionals of color. This is an effort of Make It. MSP. – a collaborative initiative of GREATER MSP, the Saint Paul Area Chamber of Commerce, the Bush Foundation and dozens of other partners. We are passionate about making this region a great place for professionals of color to come, stay and thrive because the future of our community and economy depends on it. Please take or share our survey to help us hear from professionals of color throughout MSP about what makes us strong today and how we can get even better. Upon completion of the survey, you will be able to enter into a drawing for gift cards as a thank you. In the words of Maya Angelou, “Make every effort to change the things you do not like. If you cannot make a change, change the way you’ve been thinking. You might find a new solution.” [Take survey.]

The Selfie Vote: Where Millennials Are Leading America

Humphrey School of Public Affairs
Thursday, September 22
4:00 - 5:15pm

The 2016 election is drawing near, and millennials have just begun to test their political clout. Recent polls report that the younger generation views the GOP as outdated and unresponsive. How can the Republican party stay true to conservative sensibilities while attracting the attention of millennial voters? Leading Republican pollster, Kristen Soltis Anderson, teams up with prominent Republican strategist Vin Weber to examine shifting voter demographics in the 2016 election and offer key insights on how Republicans can keep up. Anderson's new book titled, The Selfie Vote: Where Millenials Are Leading America(HarperCollins, 2015) will be available for purchase and signing after the event. [Read more.]

Accepting 2017 Bush Fellowship Applications

Bush Foundation

From August 30 through September 29 the Bush Foundation will accept applications for the 2017 Bush Fellowship! The Bush Fellowship is a recognition of extraordinary achievement and a bet on extraordinary potential. It provides transformative experiences to people with the potential to advance our region. A Bush Fellow has a record of accomplishment and wants to make an even bigger impact in their community. Since 1965, over 2,200 individuals from MN, ND, SD and the 23 Native nations sharing that geography have done just that. Bush Fellows determine what they need to become more effective leaders and receive a grant of up to $100,000 to make it happen. Do you see yourself or someone in your network as a potential Fellow? [Read more.]

Volunteer as a Tutor with Reading Partners

Reading Partners Twin Cities

Reading Partners is a national nonprofit dedicated to closing the achievement gap by helping elementary students from low-income communities boost their reading confidence and competence. Reading Partners Twin Cities is seeking volunteer tutors in elementary schools for the 2015-16 school year. Our volunteers make a lifelong impact on a child who struggles with reading.
- Give as little as one hour a week (we welcome more, if you are able)!
- Flexible weekday volunteer times are available.
- Follow a highly effective, structured and easy-to-use curriculum.
- No formal teaching experience is required.
See a full list of tutoring locations across Minneapolis and St. Paul or email us for information. [Read more.]