[#mnrising Dispatch] June 2021

This month we celebrate with pride that the Stonewall Uprising helped pave a way for greater inclusion and efforts to outlove hate. And as Juneteenth increasingly becomes recognized as a federal and local holiday, we are reminded of the words of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., that “the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.” The Summer Solstice marked a diminishing daily length of daylight but the fact that it remains lighter out for later during this time of year bolsters the assurance of the many different ways to be in the light. With an attentiveness to history, may we all do the best we know how to shape the here and now, on our paths toward justice and love.

YWCA Mankato Leadership Program

Elizabeth Kearney Women's Leadership is a gender-specific, strengths-based leadership program. The program takes a cohort of women through either a 6-month or a 10-month program of professional and personal leadership development. The program addresses the gender and racial bias facing women in leadership. Participants identify their strengths, enhance their leadership skills, connect with other leaders in the community, and leave prepared to address women's unique leadership challenges. Applications for the 10-month cohort, which starts in September, are due the first week in July. [Learn more.]

Right Track Plus Internship Program

Ramsey County and the City of Saint Paul are excited to announce a new career internship program, Right Track Plus, for un-and underemployed young adults ages 18-24 with focus areas of: healthcare, technology, creative arts, urban agriculture, construction/green energy or the public sector. Through Right Track+, participants will receive a paid part-time internship starting in July 2021, mentorship, professional development opportunities, career counseling & case management, support services and more! [Read more.]

BMPP 2021 Grant Cycle

BMPP Giving Circle's 2021 grant cycle is now accepting proposals. Micro-grants of up to $2,500 are available for projects serving Asian/Asian Americans, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders, including Arab, Middle Eastern, Muslim and South Asian communities that are focused on building solidarity across racialized communities made most vulnerable at this time, and healing projects that support communities. Applicants must be located in the Upper Midwest region (Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota, South Dakota, or Iowa) and the project must serve the Asian/Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. The deadline is Friday, July 16. [Apply Now.]

2021 Twin Cities Pride Festival

The 49th annual Twin Cities Pride Festival will be held at Loring Park July 17 – 18, 2021 and will feature local BIPOC and LGBTQ+ vendors, food courts, a beer garden, and music stages. The Twin Cities Pride Festival is a CELEBRATION of the LGBTQ+ Community. All LGBTQ+ people and allies are welcome! Due to time constraints, Pride is foregoing the Saturday night concert and fireworks this year. Hours will be 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. both Saturday, July 17 and Sunday, July 18 at Loring Park in Minneapolis. As always, the Twin Cities Pride Festival is FREE! [Learn more.]