[#mnrising Dispatch] March 2019

Spring has sprung, and we likewise sprang forward for Daylight Saving Time. The Vernal Equinox points to a balancing in nature of day and night, and with March being Women's History Month we saw a similar effort in humankind to balance gender equity through advancing the Equal Rights Amendment and celebratingInternational Women's Day on March 8. In the month ahead, opportunities abound for inspiration, self-care, learning and development, connecting, vulnerability, and balancing what we most wish to be and do with what the world needs most from us now. See opportunities below and on the sidebar in this month's Dispatch!

RaiseMN is open for business!

RaiseMN is the answer to years of research, listening, and planning as the GiveMN board and staff sought to fill the critical gap identified by Minnesota nonprofits: a lack of confidence that organizational fundraising strategy and infrastructure will keep up with the demands of their missions, especially among small- to medium-sized nonprofits. RaiseMN believes nonprofits are experts on their organizations and donor relationships, but sometimes need a little outside expertise or collaboration to build a right-sized sustainable fundraising strategy. That's why they use a coaching model, which relies on questions, listening, and thoughtfulness on both sides, to provide a bespoke experience for each organization they work with. The RaiseMN team has expertise – and particular energy – for working with small- to medium-sized fundraising shops. Whether you have one burning question or you're looking for on-going support, they're here to help! [Read more.]

Apply for Metropolitan Council Committees

Metro area residents who want to help shape regional policy and services are invited to apply for one of several advisory committees to the Metropolitan Council. The Council relies on these committees to help develop solutions that best serve the entire region and is seeking diverse perspectives – across geography, income, age, race and ethnicity, ability and life experiences – to inform policy-making and operations. Consider applying to serve on one of these seven advisory groups: Audit Committee, Equity Advisory Committee, Land Use Advisory Committee, Livable Communities Advisory Committee, Metropolitan Parks and Open Space Commission, Transportation Accessibility Advisory Committee, Transportation Advisory Board. These are volunteer positions, but members are reimbursed for expenses related to their service, such as parking. [Read more.]

Take the MSP Hello Newcomers Survey

Share your experiences in our MSP HELLO Newcomers Survey: What makes you feel welcome or part of a community? How likely are you to stay in the Minneapolis-Saint Paul (MSP) region? How easy or difficult was it to find the resources you needed when you moved here? Whether you have recently moved to MSP or relocated here many years ago, MSP Hello wants to hear more from you. What was a lifesaver? What more could have helped? Who or what are you looking to meaningfully connect with? By learning more about your experiences, the partnership can can continue to develop better solutions that meet your needs. Throughout 2019 and beyond, the team will take what you share and engage the community in creative and collaborative solutions. Take the survey today to help build a region that is more welcoming and inclusive and better connects newcomers to resources, communities and each other. [Read more].

Volunteer for Doors Open Minneapolis

Doors Open Minneapolis is a weekend-long event that allows the public free, behind-the-scenes access to buildings in the City of Minneapolis that are architecturally, culturally, or socially significant. It is your chance to explore the buildings that tell our city’s story. From theaters to business hubs, sacred spaces to private clubs, sports complexes to engineering wonders, historical gems to not-even-open-yet buildings, Doors Open Minneapolis will give visitors a FREE behind-the-scenes look at over 100 exciting venues. They to enrich experiences by presenting meaningful conversations with many of the people who make these venues the marvels that they are. Greeters are needed for 4 hour shifts at each participating venue. You will welcome and register visitors, and be ambassadors for this great new civic program. You will receive a free Doors Open Minneapolis t-shirt and get ‘front of the line’ VIP access at all other venues. [Read more.]