[#mnrising Dispatch] April 2021

All eyes were on Minnesota earlier this month as a guilty, guilty, guilty verdict was read. And with this small measure of accountability we were able to let go of our collectively held breath. This is an important initial step in the work to advance equity and justice in our communities, to ensure that the lives of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color are seen, supported, and matter, but it is clear that we have far to go.

It has been a heavy time locally as we experience some modicum of relief for George Floyd and his family and as we process the harm done to our communities (in this case as well as by the police killings of Daunte Wright, Philando Castile, Jamar Clark, and more). Please take good care of yourselves through grounding tools, rest, movement, and connection to nature and others.

Facing Race Awards Nominations

The Facing Race Awards recognize anti-racism activists and organizations in Minnesota who challenge absent and harmful narratives on race, build solutions that unite, instead of divide, and push for justice and equity. Do you know someone who deserves recognition for their commitment to racial equity and anti-racism efforts in Minnesota? Nominate that person for the 15th annual Facing Race Awards. Award recipients are nominated by the community, and up to four will be recognized.Each award recipient will receive a grant to benefit a Minnesota nonprofit of their choice and be recognized at a televised Facing Race Awards ceremony later this year. The nomination period has been extended to Monday, May 3 at 3pm. [Nominate someone today!]

LOTT Fellows and Mentors Recruitment

Applications for 2021 Fellows & Mentors are live! The 2021 LOTT Program will run September 2021 to March 2022 and will include one-on-one mentoring, leadership workshops, networking opportunities, and a community-based project. The program is actively recruiting women for the Fellowship who are looking to develop their leadership, expand their network, and realize their professional goals. They are also looking for women to mentor the Fellows: a critical piece of the program's success. To learn more, consider joining a Virtual Info Session on May 6th, and apply for the program by May 31. [Learn more.]

Policy Fellows Program Applications

The Policy Fellows program provides emerging and mid-career professionals a renowned public affairs leadership development experience. Each year, approximately 35 leaders from government, business/industry, and nonprofit organizations from around the state are selected through a competitive application process. Applicants should live and work primarily in Minnesota, be a leader or emerging leader in their field of work and have a strong record of contributing to their community or working toward the common good. The program welcomes applicants of all backgrounds and political perspectives and seeks Fellows who want to engage respectfully and productively across these differences. [Apply by June 1.]

Rural Regenerator Fellowship Applications

The Rural Regenerator Fellowship will facilitate long term learning and exchange across rural geographies and provide financial support to these leaders so they can think big as they grow, shift or expand their leadership efforts. 10 Fellows will be selected from communities of 50,000 people or fewer across the Upper Midwest. Fellows will receive $10,000 in flexible funds to support their existing work and/or to launch a new project in their community. Applications for the Rural Regenerator Fellowship are due by June 11, 2021, with information sessions on April 30 and May 21. [Find out more and apply.]