[Minnesota Rising Dispatch] March 2021

[#mnrising Dispatch] March 2021 With having marked the Spring Equinox and all Minnesotans 16+ now being eligible for COVID vaccines we are being gifted more light and lightness. Even still, the Ides of March have brought their share of circumstances to challenge our hearts and sense of collective belonging. The Chauvin murder trial is underway in Minneapolis, our Asian American communities have experienced particularly increasing discrimination and violence over the past year including the abhorrent shootings targeting 3 Asian-owned businesses in Atlanta, and gun violence continues to generate fear for engaging in everyday activities in the midst of dual pandemics. The growing disconnection and hate in our communities urgently needs to be addressed. Here are a few ways how: Contact your Minnesota Representative or Senator in support of the Combating Hate bill (HF 1691/SF 2003) Take action with the Asian Minnesotan Alliance for Justice Practice self-awareness in responding to racism, as outlined by Team Dynamics Nominate Black leaders to participate in the African American Leadership Forum (AALF) the 2021 Josie R. Johnson Leadership Academy program.  Advocate for passage of the Equality Act in Congress All the while, be kind to yourself and others in endeavoring to effect justice and equity. May we increasingly be able to see each other and uplift one another in effort to build beloved community.  Saint Paul Community-First Public Safety Commission The Citizens League has been selected by the City of Saint Paul to lead a Community-First Public Safety Commission. The Commission will help shape Saint Paul’s continued work to take a holistic and sustainable approach to building safer outcomes in its neighborhoods. Consisting of 48 members appointed by the Mayor, the Commission will bring together community members with wide ranging experiences to explore how the City can build upon its current strategy. The  Commission wants to engage community members who live and work in Saint Paul - join upcoming online town halls on April 14 and 17 to share your input. [Register online.] Why Should I Take The COVID-19 Vaccine? Black, Indigenous and other people of color (BIPOC) communities have been disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. And these communities don’t necessarily see their concerns, interests and needs reflected in the vaccine distribution plan and communications efforts. Join YWCA Minneapolis, YWCA St. Paul and Children’s Minnesota for a special event to help communities learn more about the vaccine to make informed decisions for themselves and their families, as well as the history of medical mistrust in communities of color, candid personal stories about panelists’ choice on taking the vaccine, and science-based information, in order to help you make an informed decision. [Learn more.] MinnPost Festival 2021 MinnPost is a nonprofit, nonpartisan online-only news source providing high-quality journalism for people who care about Minnesota. MinnPost Festival is a week-long series of engaging conversations with some of the most insightful minds from politics, media and culture. As a nonprofit newsroom, MinnPost makes their reporting available to all readers for free. In that spirit, they’re offering Festival passes at Pay What You Can pricing, meaning you pick the price that works for you. Any amount you pay supports MinnPost’s public-service journalism throughout the year and allows them to keep offering their work freely available to their community — no paywall, no subscriptions. [Learn more.] Asian American Leadership Summit Together, TEKsystems, Best Buy and the NAAAP Minnesota Chapter are proud to host the virtual Asian American Leadership Summit. The Asian American Leadership Summit (AALS) aspires to build the next generation of leaders through authentic relationships, focused leadership development and a space to share knowledge and talent. Join a series of four sessions to meet and learn from diverse leaders and hear a range of perspectives, ideas and conversations focused on Asian experiences, stories and career paths. [Read more.] Friend on Facebook Follow on Twitter Forward to a Friend News from the Network Updates and events with our esteemed partners and collaborators! Entrepreneurship 4 Good: Impact Leadership Cohort Spring Cohort (April - June) Application due April 4 Conversations with the Fed: Paycheck Protection Program Liquidity Facility—Supporting American workers in a time of crisis Tuesday, April 6 1:00pm - 2:00pm Initiators Fellowship Informational Webinar Initiative Foundation Thursday, April 8 11:00am - 12:00pm Governor's Community Council on Inclusion and Equity Apply by first application review date on April 8 Capital Area Architectural and Planning Board Public Engagement Survey (available in Arabic, English, Hmong, Somali, and Spanish) Submit feedback by April 9 Read Brave: The Stars and the Blackness Between Them MHC & ESFL Thursday, April 15 6:30pm – 8:00pm Courageous Leadership: A conversation with Dr. Terry Root IonE Monday, April 19 4:30pm - 5:30pm 2021 Nonprofit Finance and Sustainability Conference Propel Nonprofits/MCN Tuesdays, April 20 & 27 8:30am - 4:30pm Debating Democracy, Then and Now: Reflections on a Contested Concept MN Humanities Center Wednesday, April 21 1:00pm - 2:30pm Policy Fellows Informational Q&A Webinar Humphrey School Wednesday, April 28 12:00pm - 1:00pm From Pain to Power: Healing Historical Trauma YWCA Minneapolis Thursday, April 29 3:30pm - 4:45pm COVID-19 Community Resources COVID-19 Vaccine Connector All Minnesotans 16+ years old are currently eligible to receive a vaccine. Register for the Vaccine Connector to be informed of vaccine opportunities in your area. MN Discrimination Helpline COVID-19 does not discriminate based on race, where you come from, your immigration status, or anything else. If you have experienced or witnessed an incident of discrimination or bias call Minnesota's Discrimination Helpline at 1-833-454-0148 or submit online. The helpline is staffed by the Minnesota Department of Human Rights. Translation/interpretation services are available.

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