Minnesota Rising 101

Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Reportback | Millennial Leadership: "Different by Design" World Cafe

Minnesota Rising’s Cascading Conversation Tour: "Our Minnesota," has revealed many different and interesting ideas about “What’s next for Our Minnesota.” In efforts to dig a little deeper into some of the emerging values and visions, Minnesota Rising hosted a World Café, entitled Different by Design, to further explore Millennial leadership and potentially classify some of the characteristics that define Millennials. Since our purpose in hosting the World Café was to discuss how Millennials are different by design, we wanted to ensure that the dialogues were varied and that the emergent themes were captured in the same way.


We were lucky enough to have four table hosts guide our World Café sessions. Each hosted three breakout session rounds throughout the evening. Participants were invited to sit at any one of the four hosted tables, which allowed for both the participants and hosts to see and hear fresh perspectives as they rotated to new tables with each discussion round. To begin conversation with a shared focus on Millennial leadership, all four tables kicked off with the question, “What’s at the intersection of Minnesota & the world’s deepest needs and the rising generation’s greatest desires & potential?” At the close of every discussion round, each group collectively generated a new question for the next group. When the following group of participants sat down, they began to tackle the question the previous group left for them with the guidance of the table host. Because of the nifty mix-up process that is an intentional part of the World Café method, no discussion is the same and each table has a unique dialogue. This allowed us to capture a wide variety of perspectives, experiences, and insights from the evening's conversations.

A great deal Millennial distinctiveness shone through in the discussions, including an overwhelming sense of adaptability and the ability to make the most of current situations whether employed on a full-time basis or not.  The eclectic values of the group were also notable: some attendees talked about the importance of community, education, and other issues, while other participants focused on the need for analysis and measurement. The evening concluded with the large group reconvening after the breakout sessions to reflect on the event in total. People overwhelmingly shared a collective appreciation for the higher-level conversation and expressed excitement to see what comes next!

For more information you can find some of the questions that surfaced during our World Café below, as well as the evening’s entire list of notes below.
What can we do to create effective communities to take action today?Who will come with us?
  • Do we have a culture of opportunity?
  • How to capture their curiosity?
  • What would an effective community look like?
What can be done to create an ethical, bottom-up approach to encourage *people as we define the path to the future*?What are the new ground rules?
  • Technology connects us to others and information isolates networks are these unintended consequences?
  • How do we move to action? How do we connect with new folks at the same time?
  • How do we BREAK OUT OF COMFORT ZONES!
  • Out from behind technologies
  • Outside of our own interest groups
  • Beyond just my social network
How do we move people past the intersection? (together)How do we be patient? How do we practice waiting?
  • Where do people want to be?
  • Collaborate with people who complement you and challenge you
  • Are you willing to create tension to make change?
  • What cost are you willing to pay for change?
  • Millennials don’t necessarily create change, but they want it therefore they ask why? When the answer is “It’s always been this way” – they ask why.
  • How can we refine how we connect to each other?
If we are different by design, how can we refine how we can connect today as Millennials?  
  • All social networks are Internet based: are we becoming more isolated? Extreme left and extreme    right?
  • What does it mean to be diverse? Sometimes it can be bad if only want commonalities
  • More people in cities now than in rural areas: brain drain? Evolution of where our community is going?
  • What matters to our kids’ and grandkids’ futures?
How do we measure our systems moving forward? What are our evaluative resources?What is success? What are our goals?
  • Change is a huge buzzword. Not everything has to be changed. Pick wisely and prioritize. Not changing something is also an option.


You're Invited: Minneapolis Urban League Young Professionals Summer Social

What some call the ceiling you can make into your ground floor. Join the Minneapolis Urban League Young Professionals on the rooftop at Seven Sushi for a Summer Social event to connect with other local emerging leaders. Enjoy the downtown views, food and beverage specials, and a chance to drink in the summer air from a different elevation!


Monday, July 30, 2012

Meeting place

Copyright (c) 123RF Stock Photos 


"The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world's deep hunger meet." 
-Frederick Buechner

Friday, July 27, 2012

You're Invited: "New Structures for New Times" Conference

In an era of working smarter, not harder, Greater Twin Cities United Way is hosting "New Structures for New Times: Leadership for a Strong Nonprofit Sector" to provide insight and guidance related to mergers and nonprofit restructuring. Showcasing local thought leaders, national experts, and the release of new research, this event will benefit not only organizations currently considering the best path forward, but the future leaders who will be challenged to work collaboratively to sustain these nonprofits in the years ahead. The event is free of charge and registration details follow just after the jump.


New Structures for New Times Banner
Register today for Greater Twin Cities United Way's "New Structures for New Times: Leadership for a Strong Nonprofit Sector," a conference exploring strategies to maintain our strong nonprofit sector in the challenging decade ahead, in view of declining government funds and increasing need. This event is free of charge.

Date: Tuesday, July 31
Time: 8 a.m.-12 p.m. Networking begins at 7:15 a.m.
Location: Hilton Minneapolis

Dave GroganKeynote speaker Paul Grogan, president and CEO of The Boston Foundation, will share his thoughts on how each of us can be a catalyst for a collaborative future.

In 10 years Mr. Grogan has boosted fundraising and streamlined operations, while launching high-impact initiatives in housing, workforce development and civic engagement.

The conference will also include:

Research: The release of a new study by MAP for Nonprofits and Wilder Research on success factors in nonprofit mergers.

Discussion: Featuring Armando Camacho, president, Neighborhood House; Jon Campbell, executive vice president and director of social responsibility, Wells Fargo; and Jennifer Martin, senior vice president, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, and board chair, Children's Home Society & Family Services.

Strategies: Breakout sessions so you can learn more about restructuring strategies that may help to sustain the work of nonprofits in our communities.

Breakouts include: Funders Discussion with Paul Grogan * Deeper Learnings from the Merger Research * Considering Options Across the Realignment Spectrum * Considering Culture: Designing an Organization that Thrives * Creating Your Road Map for Success: Assessment as the First Stop on the Journey * Shared Services Options * Strategic Opportunities Through Mergers

Partners:
 
         


Thursday, July 26, 2012

You're Invited: YNPN Twin Cities Summer Picnic Potluck

Food for thought. And conversation! Food provides opportunities for gathering and generosity, is a powerful catalyst to spark personal and cultural stories, and makes people and stomachs happy! Enjoy your food in all these ways and more by joining YNPN Twin Cities for a potluck-style picnic in the park this weekend. Bring your own dish to share and an appetite for connecting with other foodies and friends, too!


You are invited to attend:

YNPN Twin Cities Summer Picnic Potluck

Saturday, July 28, 2012 from 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Join your friends at YNPN Twin Cities for a casual networking picnic at Minnehaha Park on Saturday, July 28th. Stop by from 11:00am-1:00pm to soak up the sun, grab some food and hang out with your nonprofit peers. This is a potluck-style gathering, so please bring a dish or side to share. Find us in a grassy spot near Sea Salt and the Pavilion. Friends and family are welcome, too. We hope you can join us!
Minnehaha Park
4801 South Minnehaha Park Drive
Minneapolis, MN 55417
Events powered by EventBrite
Copyright © 2012 Young Nonprofit Professionals Network - Twin Cities, All rights reserved.



Wednesday, July 25, 2012

You're Invited: SMBMSP #47 - What's Next for Nonprofits & Social Media

My good friend and former high school classmate, Lindsi Gish, is the brains behind the operation at this month's SMBMSP, focused on what's next for nonprofits. Join her and the savvy panel of nonprofiteers she's assembled, each of whom is working to leverage social media analytics for continued growth and engagement of their organization's members and supporters. Bring your own questions and real-life examples and walk away with some new tips, insights, and the usual side of bacon. #brainfood

Register for SMBMSP #47 - What's Next for Nonprofits & Social Media on 7/27


You are invited to attend:


SMBMSP #47 - What's Next for Nonprofits & Social Media

 

Friday, July 27, 2012 from 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

More than ever, nonprofits are finding new ways to harness the power of the web and social media to further their cause. Come learn from three individuals well-versed in using social media and analytics to drive engagement, support and advocacy for the missions of their organizations. We'll discuss how to make strategic decisions using data, how to interpret and use engagement metrics and touch on how social media is being used to further fundraising campaigns and drive deeper support.
Contact us with questions in advance or tweet them to @smbmsp.
Attendees can enter to win a Samsung Galaxy Tab courtesy of Verizon Wireless. Must be present to win.
PARKING: There's on-street parking & a parking ramp attached to the Design Guild down the street.

Moderator
Lindsi GishLindsi Gish (@lindsi)
Associate Director of Communications and Media Relations
Second Harvest Heartland
Second Harvest Heartland is the Upper Midwest's largest hunger relief organization. Lindsi is responsible for print communications, including newsletters and solicitations, as well as all online vehicles for the organization. She manages the design, content and development for the main website as well as all microsites for larger events/campaigns. Another big part of her role is managing the online community — through Second Harvest's blog, Twitter and Facebook — to engage the constituency in new and deeper ways to drive ongoing support of the mission.

Panelists
Jeff Achen - Digital Strategist at GiveMN (@jeffachen)
Steve Boland - Loan Officer and Financial Analyst at Nonprofits Assistance Fund (@steveboland)
Jamie Millard - Communications Specialist at Charities Review Council (@jjmillard)
Jeff AchenSteve BolandJamie Millard

Event Sponsors
Verizon Wireless
514 Studios
Stanley's Bar Room


Annual Sponsors
Concordia University
CoCo
514 Studios
514 North 3rd Street Suite 101
Minneapolis, MN 55401
Events powered by EventBrite


Tuesday, July 24, 2012

You're Invited: MINN Summer Happy Hour

The Minnesota International NGO Network (MINN) is making the global local and hosting their Summer Happy Hour at the only sake brew-pub outside of Japan. Join them at Moto-i for a chance to connect with other globally-minded emerging leaders, learn about MINN's work to engage and support international development practitioners, and of course, toast to the summertime with some local rice wine!


















MINN Summer Happy Hour: Moto-i

Date: 

Wednesday, July 25, 2012 - 5:00pm to 7:00pm
Join MINN members and friends July 25 for MINN’s Summer-Time Happy Hour. It’s the perfect time to connect or reconnect with MINN colleagues new and old.
We'll be in the world's only sake brew-pub outside Japan, Moto-i in Uptown, Minneapolis. (2940 Lyndale Avenue South, Minneapolis).

Want to learn more about opportunities to get involved? This is a great opportunity to meet other MINNers. Know someone who might be interested in MINN? Bring them along for this low-pressure way to meet fellow development practitioners and network. Looking for an excuse not to watch old episodes of Mad Men? We can help with that too.
Feel free to drop by anytime between 5pm and 7pm and share a drink with other Minnesotans passionate about doing good around the world!

Monday, July 23, 2012

Our possible impact

Copyright (c) 123RF Stock Photos

"The majority of us lead quiet, unheralded lives as we pass through this world. There will most likely be no ticker-tape parades for us, no monuments created in our honor. But that does not lessen our possible impact, for there are scores of people waiting for someone just like us to come along; people who will appreciate our compassion, our unique talents. Someone who will live a happier life merely because we took the time to share what we had to give. Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have a potential to turn a life around. It’s overwhelming to consider the continuous opportunities there are to make our love felt." 
-Leo Buscaglia

Friday, July 20, 2012

You're Invited | TORCH Community 2012 Intern Event: Building a Solid Foundation, One Block at a Time

Minnesota Rising is pleased to again be part of Torch Community's Intern Event, which seeks to engage young interns in the Twin Cities community and social scene. Featuring Melvin Tennant, CEO of Meet Minneapolis, and Jeremy Wells of Minnesota Philanthropy Partners, as well as dozens of local young professional and emerging leader groups, attendees are sure to walk away with new insights into the value of community and volunteering, a handy collection of business cards, and a greater sense of feeling at home here in the Twin Cities! 

TORCH Community 2012 Intern Event - Building a Solid... Logo

You are invited to the following event:
TORCH Community 2012 Intern Event - Building a Solid Foundation, One Block at a Time

Date:
Wednesday, July 25, 2012 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM

Location:
University of St. Thomas, Minneapolis Campus
1000 LaSalle Avenue
Room 201

Can you attend? Respond Here
For more information, click here.



Thursday, July 19, 2012

You're Invited: Citizens League Summer Policy Series

In the heat of the summertime and the heart of the election cycle, the Citizens League Summer Policy Series offers a refreshing take on addressing meaningful policy topics without the political partisanship. Session topics range from taxes, energy, health, and other areas where Citizens League members are making a difference for Minnesotans. Attend one or all of the morning sessions for a look at innovative ideas at work and a take on civic policymaking that's sure to keep you awake (perhaps aided by coffee)!



Summer Policy Series logo


Doors 7:30 a.m. | Program 8-9:30 a.m.
Aloft Minneapolis
$10 for Citizens League Members, $15 for non-members.

Escape the partisanship of this election year and explore policy topics important to the health of our state. Join us for our Summer Policy Series. A series of morning events that offer opportunities to learn about our work in areas that make a difference for Minnesotans.  

You can attend any - or all - of the sessions!
  • Friday, July 20 - Savings Innovation to Support Prosperity: Register 
  • Tuesday, July 31 - Regional tax base sharing: Register 
  • Wednesday, Aug 8 - Pathways to Prosperity: Family Independence Register 
  • Wednesday, Aug 22 - Health Insurance Exchanges: Register 

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

You're Invited: 2012 Road to Equality Tour

While the Women's Foundation of Minnesota's 2012 Road to Equality Tour is well underway (check out lunches slated for July 18th and 19th if you're in Grand Rapids or Duluth), their research from the 2012 Status of Women & Girls in Minnesota is still gaining traction. Check out their work below, including current research across Minnesota communities, the GENDER EQUALITY Explorer tool, and the MN Girls Are Not For Sale campaign, and consider getting on board with where they're going!


In June and July, the Women's Foundation of Minnesota will embark on its third biennial Road to Equality Tour since 2008.

We’ll share the latest findings from our 2012 Status of Women & Girls in Minnesota research and learn from residents how well the new data represents what’s happening for women and girls in their community. We’ll also talk about our statewide campaign to end the prostitution of Minnesota girls and show you how to use our new online research tool, GENDER EQUALITY Explorer (from 1-1:30PM, for those who can stick around).

The community presentations are free and we’ll treat you to lunch ‑‑‑ all you have to do is RSVP to Nicole@wfmn.org!
Click on a 2012 Road to Equality Tour city (below) for more information:
JUNE
12 - Willmar
13 - Marshall
14 - Rochester
18 - St. Cloud
JULY
17 - Moorhead
19 - Duluth
We hope to see you there!

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

You're Invited: Fourth Generation Summer Happy Hour!

After giving away $33,000 for nutrition and food justice work in the past year, Fourth Generation is toasting to their fine efforts at tonight's Summer Happy Hour at the 1029 Bar. Join them for beer, BINGO, and lobster rolls to celebrate! If you can't make it tonight, book August 8th and 14th for their Volunteer Day and Pick the Topic gatherings, respectively. Good food, good work, and good times with Fourth Generation are on the horizon! 




Tuesday, July 17, 2012

6:00pm
1029 Bar


Come meet and socialize with other people interested in the Minneapolis Foundation's Fourth Generation program, whose volunteer members annually identify a community need, find organizations that meet that need, raise funds and then make grants that make a difference. Bingo begins at 6:30 PM!

For more information about Fourth Generation, visit http://www.fourthgenfund.org/ or https://www.facebook.com/FourthGenerationTMF.




Monday, July 16, 2012

The only life you could save

Copyright (c) 123RF Stock Photos

“...there was a new voice which you slowly recognized as your own, that kept you company as you strode deeper and deeper into the world, determined to do the only thing you could do - determined to save the only life you could save.” 
-Mary Oliver

Friday, July 13, 2012

You're Invited: 2012 Dragon Festival!

My Dragon Boat Race team won the Champion Trophy in the Purple Division in 2006 and, fully appreciating knowing when to quit, I promptly retired from the sport thereafter. Even still, Minnesota's largest pan-Asian Pacific Islander community event, the Dragon Festival, is worth returning to again and again. With cultural heritage events and cuisine representing the broad swath of Asian communities in our state, it's both educational and delicious. In this year of the Dragon, be sure to check out the arts and crafts, martial arts demonstrations, and of course, the Dragon Boat races!


Council on Asian Pacific Minnesotans
Saint Paul, Minn. – The 2012 Dragon Festival will be the weekend of July 14 & 15, at Phalen Lake Park, 1530 Phalen Drive, St. Paul, MN 55106.

Free Admission - Free Parking - Free Performances

Lake Phalen Park in St. Paul, Minnesota, comes alive with two days of colorful, traditional dances and music to showcase the performance arts of Asia. Dances from the ceremonial to the theatrical and are as varied as the colours on the performers' authentic costumes! The two-day event is free and showcases cultural heritage, entertainment, cuisine and all types of ethnic Asian Pacific Islander community activities. Minnesota's largest pan-Asian Pacific Islander community event is an effort to increase cross-cultural understanding among the several ethnic groups and with the greater mainstream community.

Each Asian country has its own indelible sound even though the instruments are rather similar. From the mesmerizing sound of the Chinese flute to the energetic Taiko drumming, Asian music with its pentatonic melody sounds exotic. Attracting more than 12,000 people over two days the Dragon Festival is a children, family, and community friendly event that is much beloved in the Asian American and Pacific Islander and eastside St. Paul communities. It is one of the major highlights and attractions in the Twin Cities, so don't miss out! Join us!

For more information, please visit the website: http://www.dragonfestival.org/