[#mnrising Dispatch] April 2022

We're hopeful April showers (and snow, for that matter) bring May flowers and spring blooms to Mni Sóta Maḳoce in time for American Indian Month in Minnesota and Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month 2022 in the United States. Clyde Bellecourt's passing earlier this year, the last living founder of the American Indian Movement started in Minneapolis, stirred reflections on the progress he and others were able to advance in developing programs and community change, as well as showing how much work remains to honor treaties and the First Peoples of this land. Elaine Salinas was quoted in the Star Tribune, "What AIM did in this country is awaken Indian people — Indian tribes and urban Indian people who had been so beaten down. AIM said we are proud people, we are a resilient people, and we have to challenge institutions that marginalized us and destroyed our lives. It was a very powerful message." May we honor Indigenous, im/migrant, and all our relations through opportunities for connection and restoration shared in this Dispatch and by others working to advance Native sovereignty and ways across this Land Where the Waters Reflect the Clouds.

Humphrey Policy Fellows

The Center for the Study of Politics and Governance (CSPG) offers professional development for Minnesota leaders through the Policy Fellows program. 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. [Learn more.]

Rotary Peace Fellowship

Each year, Rotary awards up to 130 fully funded fellowships for dedicated leaders from around the world to study at one of our peace centers. Through academic training, practice, and global networking opportunities, the Rotary Peace Centers program develops the capacity of peace and development professionals to become effective catalysts for peace. The fellowships cover tuition and fees, room and board, round-trip transportation, and internship and field-study expenses. The Rotary Peace Fellowship is designed for leaders with work experience in peace and development. Fellows are committed to community and international service and the pursuit of peace. Each year, The Rotary Foundation awards up to 50 fellowships for master’s degrees and 80 for certificate studies at premier universities. [Read more.]

'Who Leads MN"

Leaders — in government, businesses and nonprofits — shape our institutions and our collective experiences. But, how do we know if they are representative of and responsive to the diverse communities that they employ and serve? Bush Foundation, Wilder Research, and Minnesota Compass have sought to investigate these questions through Who Leads Minnesota. Resources include:
-Stories and ideas from those who have taken action
-Leadership Programs Resource Directory.
-Racial Equity Resource Directory
-Leadership Toolkit
[Read more about Who Leads Minnesota?]

Move for America Fellowship

Be the change America needs. The Move for America Fellowship Program is a paid, immersive learning experience for emerging leaders to move across America's cultural, political, and geographic fault lines to live, learn, and serve. Fellows will serve in community-based organizations, build relationships, and learn about their host town. They will participate in professional development sessions, peer mentorship, and complete a capstone project designed to build the skills and habits to bridge divides through youth engagement. Applications are available now, with a May 6 rolling deadline, and review process ongoing until all current positions are filled.[Learn more.]