[#mnrising Dispatch] July 2023

July is recognized as Disability Pride Month and provides an opportunity to honor the achievements, history, and experiences of the disability community. Nationally, July is the anniversary of the landmark American with Disabilities Act, advancing civil rights and expanding inclusion in society. Read on in this month's Dispatch for upcoming local events to support increased access and belonging for neurodiverse and other marginalized communities. We all do better when we all do better.

Studio Thirteen Future Filmmakers Lab

Studio Thirteen is an intensive lab for talented creative youths who are interested in honing their filmmaking skills. Created for young artists who wish to further their media arts education in a collaborative environment, participants will work in small teams to create an impactful short film over the course of thirteen weeks while learning the ins-and-outs of filmmaking. Offering one of the few training grounds for student filmmakers, this program provides students grades 9-12 the opportunity to gain hands-on vocational experience while receiving guidance and support every step of the way. [Read more.]

Truth in History

The Truth in History Project seeks to highlight the communities that make Minnesota home, weaving together diverse narratives that build solidarity across cultures among Minnesota’s BIPOC communities. In its current iteration, Linking Leaders’ Truth in History Project is producing videos and conversation guides featuring the voices and stories of Minnesota’s Indigenous communities and other communities of color. Applications for Minnesota-based BIPOC storytellers to participate in video project deadline is Saturday, September 30. [Apply online.]

Fiscal Sponsorship Emerging Nonprofits Cohort

This fall, with the support of the Otto Bremer Trust and Old National Bank, Propel is launching their first-ever Emerging Nonprofits Cohort. The nine-month Cohort will provide a group of emerging nonprofit leaders with space, resources, and a $5,000 grant to explore these common experiences while building strong, supportive relationships with their peers. The Cohort prioritizes organizations working in communities impacted by systemic oppression and/or serving groups who have been historically excluded from accessing resources. There is no cost for participation. Submit by August 14. [Learn more.]

Boards and Commissions Leadership Institute

Applications for the Twin Cities Boards and Commissions Leadership Institute (BCLI) are now open! BCLI is a seven-month fellowship that supports, trains, and helps place Black, Indigenous, people of color and other underrepresented community members on city and county publicly appointed boards and commissions that influence and impact equity in the Twin Cities Metro Area in economic development, health, housing, transit, and workforce development. Applications are due Friday, August 4. [Read more.]