Saturday, June 30, 2018

[Minnesota Rising Dispatch] June 2018

[#mnrising Dispatch] June 2018

June has been full of opportunities to come together, including Pride and Juneteenth, as well as opportunities to overcome - to ensure families stay together and that #blacklivesmatter. For those you know who are working to change the narrative locally, consider nominating them by July 3 for the 2018 Facing Race Awards from The Saint Paul and Minnesota Community Foundations.
 
 

 

 

 

 
Minnesota Rising Founder, Diane Tran, was invited to share in a video released in early June about the vision for the GREATER MSP region in 10 years. And in the journey between here and that future, this past month's Minnesota Rising RE:treat reminded us to make time to connect with and care for ourselves and each other amidst life's transitions in order that we can contribute our best efforts to what our communities most need.

RE:treat - New Doors for Old Ideas

by Andreanna 'Andy' Mond

On Saturday, June 16th, 2018 we gathered at the Wilder Center for what we hope to be the first of many retreats hosted by Minnesota Rising. The intent of the retreat was something that we’ve all heard before: taking intentional time out to rest and gather ourselves in a way that fueled rejuvenation. It was a cozy group, and to me that encouraged more authentic sharing in a way that allowed us all to leave lighter. We gave away past pain, anger, and confusion to the circle in the morning as we began which created a connection that allowed us the freedom to not feel judgement or condemnation as we shared. [Read more.]

2018 MINN Summit Breakout Sessions

Proposals due July 31
 
The Minnesota International NGO Network (MINN) welcomes proposals for the sixth annual MINN Summit on Friday, September 28 at the Hubert H. Humphrey School of Public Affairs. Please join us in applying to be a part of the biggest Summit yet! MINN Summit attendees will connect, share, and learn during breakout sessions and workshops throughout the day. Each session will be 60-75 minutes on a topic related to the work of international development. [Read more.]

Seeking Cow Tipping Press Fellows

Apply by July 20

Cow Tipping Press is a trailblazing social venture with two years of fundamentally changing the way people think about disability under our belts. We understand our work as a matter of justice, not charity; of relishing the assets of our 1 in 50 peers with developmental disabilities, not pitying their deficits. Selected Fellows will be placed in full-time, fully paid roles with host organizations in the Twin Cities, serving as frontline advocates to help adults with developmental disabilities live, work, learn, and recreate in the most inclusive and enriching settings possible. [Read more.]

RaiseMN 2018-19 Campaign Institute

Applications due July 13

GiveMN is thrilled to begin searching for seven organizations to take part in the 2018-19 RaiseMN Campaign Institute! RaiseMN works directly with nonprofits to build infrastructure and capacity around sustainable fundraising practices. Thanks to generous support from The Saint Paul Foundation, F.R. Bigelow Foundation, and the Patrick and Aimee Butler Family Foundation, we are pleased to expand our work in 2018 to include seven nonprofits located in, or primarily serving, Dakota, Ramsey or Washington Counties in the Twin Cities East Metro. [Read more.]

News from the Network

Updates and events with our esteemed partners and collaborators!

MSP Hello - Hello Summer with Minnesota United 
Wednesday, July 4
4:30 PM
TCF Bank Stadium

 
2018 Little Mekong Night Market
AEDA
July 7-8
Little Mekong District

Actualizing Equity: Who Speaks for the Neighborhood?
The Alliance
Monday, July 9
12:00pm - 1:30pm
Hope Community

 
Thought Leaders in Food and Ag: Nick Taranto, the CEO of Plated 
Thursday, July 12
5:30pm - 7:30pm
Herbert M. Hanson Jr. Hall

 
Dragon Festival 2018
July 14-15
Lake Phalen

 
Learning from Place: Bdote
Sunday, July 15
8:00am - 4:00pm
Minnesota Humanities Center

Rondo Days 2018
Saturday, July 21
MLK Recreation Center Park

Increase Engagement Through Absent Narratives
Wednesday, July 25
8:00am - 4:00pm
Minnesota Humanities Center

MSP Mingle for Professionals of Color
Thursday, July 26
5:30pm – 7pm
Target Plaza Commons

 
African American Leadership Forum Community Awards and Fundraising Dinner
AALF
Thursday, July 26
6:00pm - 8:30pm
JW Marriott
Copyright © 2018 Minnesota Rising, All rights reserved.

 


RE:treat – New Doors for Old Ideas

by Andreanna 'Andy' Mond

Personal items symbolizing participant transitions during the Opening Circle.

On Saturday, June 16th, 2018 we gathered at the Wilder Center for what we hope to be the first of many retreats hosted by Minnesota Rising. The intent of the retreat was something that we’ve all heard before: taking intentional time out to rest and gather ourselves in a way that fueled rejuvenation. It was a cozy group, and to me that encouraged more authentic sharing in a way that allowed us all to leave lighter. We gave away past pain, anger, and confusion to the circle in the morning as we began which created a connection that allowed us the freedom to not feel judgement or condemnation as we shared. As my retreat partners shared, I listened and turned inward—looking at the transitions that had happened in my life, were currently happening, and that I wanted to encourage for the future so that I could aptly apply the wisdom that my retreat partners shared.
As the day went on, we split into groups to allow for more intentional conversation and that is when we were able to get to the crux of what we (as a small group) most needed to have revealed to us: (1) perfection is not the goal and (2) the metaphor of the tree. We tell ourselves all the time that to err is to be human, but as we talked amongst ourselves we realized that we were holding onto the idea that the relationships and career paths that we pursued and how we behaved had to fit into the mold made for us by society (specifically the patriarchy) and that to fall short was the worst thing that we could do. We realized that we (as a group of four women) were looking to be poised and immaculate when we should be free to behave in whatever way makes us happy and that that will be perfect. Any other definition would not help us live life. It was powerful to experience this rekindling of the notion that we’re not perfect beings and we don’t need forgiveness as much as we need to accept what happened as a way of healing and moving forward with our mental and emotional states intact.
The second revelation was the tree metaphor. I’ve been hearing this metaphor since I was younger and it was a good illustration of the difference that can be found among groups of people as no one else was familiar with it. The metaphor places you in the center, as the aforementioned tree, and gives a sense of weight and time to the things connected to you. The tree is you; you are the solid trunk upon which relationships with others will be built. You have a root system that is symbolic of the connections in your life that feed your spirit and are very permanent, like family and really close friends. Next are the branches which represent strong relationships that have the potential to break off and require you to feed them – romantic relationships and new friendships can be found here. Lastly for this metaphor, you have the leaves. Leaves are the hardest part of this metaphor because they speak directly to the impermanence of life and the relationships formed. Leaves are individuals (or groups) that are only there for a season; a strong wind could send them fluttering away.
This metaphor was something that resonated with all members of my small group during our conversation and with the group as a whole during the closing circle. One of the facilitators asked how we could tell which someone was: a leaf, branch, or root and I was stumped. I had never thought about that aspect of it before, and it occurred to me that we sometimes give out information and expect that those hearing it will automatically know how to apply it to their situation. This was also a great example of something that happened frequently throughout the event: the questions of others opening up new doors to old ideas.  We decided that one way to know is to be in tune with your body and the signs that it shows you. Many times, we can see in hindsight that something was a bad idea, but we ignore the warnings and sometimes can’t hear ourselves think for the voices of others in our ears.
This is why an event like RE:treat is so necessary. A few days out from the event and the feelings of peace and connectedness that I felt to everyone who participated are still present, but more importantly I am more connected to myself and aware of the situations moving forward that will not contribute to my happiness. However, some situations cannot be avoided and RE:treat has reintroduced me to tools that will allow me to not be overwhelmed or lose touch with my intuition when I am juggling multiple things. That small step of signing up for an event that was purely about my well-being in a time of transition was the most amazing and loving gift that I have given myself in a while and I am better for it.
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