[#mnrising Dispatch] January 2022

The end of January marks the completion of the first month in the new Gregorian calendar year as well as the end of the current lunar year. February 1, 2022 kicks off the Year of the Tiger, Black History Month, and in Minnesota, statewide precinct caucuses. These shifts urge us to honor tradition and cultural customs toward auspicious ends, acknowledge and celebrate all that Black excellence has contributed to our history and culture, and to engage urgently and locally to ensure our leadership and decision-making represents and invests in all of the best of our communities. Wishing you and yours good health, peace, and prosperity in the new lunar year!

Applications for CCLI 2022 are Now Open

Creative Community Leadership Institute (CCLI) is an intensive, in-person, cohort-based training program with real-world practice for artists, culture bearers, community organizers, community development practitioners, and other leaders seeking to deepen their impact in creative community building. Each cohort will meet for three intensive sessions over four-five months. The first and third sessions will take place in person, overnight and the second session will be virtual. This Institute, lodging, and meals are free for participants. Participants will receive a stipend to support the cost of travel, childcare or any other hospitality needs. [Learn more.]

Refugee Response Initiative (RRI)

ServeMinnesota is searching for applicants to its newest AmeriCorps initiative – the Refugee Response Initiative (RRI), created in partnership with Minnesota's Department of Human Services. Refugee Response Initiative AmeriCorps members will begin serving as soon as early February and will continue serving for 3-4 months. Full-time and part-time opportunities are available, and customizable shifts are available between 8am – 10pm. RRI AmeriCorps members will receive a living stipend, health benefits (for full-time members), an education award that can be used for tuition or student loan repayment. The deadline to apply is February 9. [Learn more.]

Neighborhoods Now! Spring 2022

Neighborhoods Now! is an innovative community educational series to strengthen the work of individuals and organizations working in neighborhoods to:-Organize to win issues for people and places.-Build power to change systems for racial equity and economic justice.-Build organizations whose leadership is reflective of the community.-Build diverse and effective cross cultural collaborations. The Neighborhoods Now! Spring 2022 course is April 25 - April 29 from 10am - 2:30pm each day. The course will also have select guest speakers from the field, two follow-up Think Tanks and graduation all conducted virtually. [Apply online.]

Submissions open for 2022

TEDxMinneapolis is scheduled for September 24, 2022, and the call for speakers is now open! All candidates are asked to provide a 60-90 second video that covers their idea, who they are, and why it's an idea worth spreading. Some ideas that have made good TEDx talks in the past are:-A unique perspective on important and timely issues given by subject matter experts-New inventions, scientific or economic theories that will change the way we live, work or play.-Universal insights gained through unusual or unexpected personal experiencesTEDxMinneapolis only considers candidates who live and/or work in Minnesota. Last day for submissions is February 14. [Share your idea worth spreading.]