[#mnrising Dispatch] May 2022

The arrival of longer and warmer days brings some measure of hope to Minnesotans for happier times ahead but this past month was undoubtedly a heavy one. Last week marked the two year memorial of the murder of George Floyd as well as the second deadliest school shooting on record in U.S. history. Our hearts are heavy for victims of violence of every kind and compel us to work to create safety, heal in community, and initiate connections and actions that grow trust. In that spirit, let's look to upcoming local opportunities, including Juneteenth and Twin Cities Pride, to engage with one another across difference, commemorate our shared stories, and uplift our collective communities.

BCLI Fellowship

The next Boards and Commissions Leadership Institute (BCLI) fellowship is now open for candidate nominations and applications. Ideal nominees must:

-Be personally focused on advancing equity for people of color and other underrepresented communities

-Be 18 years of age

-Meet the residency requirements of the board or commission they are interested in sitting on (i.e. live, work, own business, etc.)

-Commit to attending all monthly trainings and events

-Commit to serving on a board or commission after completion of the BCLI

Applications are due June 27th.
[Learn more.]

ServeMN Career Pathways Program Opportunities

ServeMN is announcing two new career pathway programs slated to begin in late summer.
-Emerging Educators | Career pathway program aimed at BIPOC AmeriCorps members interested in teaching. Service members will earn an associate's degree in teaching at Minneapolis College at little or no cost in addition to standard AmeriCorps benefits. Application Deadline: July 29.
-Public Health Corps | As part of Public Health Corps, AmeriCorps members serve as Public Health Project Coordinators to help meet emerging public health needs and to grow the public health workforce. Application Deadline: August 10.

Leadership Twin Cities

The Minneapolis Regional Chamber has opened applications for Leadership Twin Cities (LTC), a nine-month professional development program kicking off in September. Program topics include regional cultures, racial consciousness, economic development, public safety/justice, public health, government, education, sustainability, the arts, and more. The program includes experiential learning, group projects, and interactive discussions with community leaders. An upcoming information session on Thursday, June 2 from 12:00pm - 1:00pm will provide program information and allow time for questions. Applications are due June 17th. [Read more.]

Comcast RISE $10,000 Grant Awards

For the second time in less than one year, Comcast RISE will award another $1 million in grants – $10,000 each – to 100 Twin Cities small businesses owned by people of color or women to help grow their businesses, create jobs, and play a vital role in supporting local communities. The application is open from June 1, and through June 14, here in the Twin Cities and includes Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott, and Washington Counties. Recipients will be announced in late July. Comcast RISE was launched in late 2020, a national effort to uplift and support local small businesses most negatively impacted by the pandemic. [Learn more.]