[Friday Fun] @MTV Insights Millennial Makers

You may wonder why they don't play music videos anymore, but maybe it's because MTV has been hard at work garnering insights about the Millennial generation's impact on different areas of culture and commerce as we come of age. @MTVInsights recently introduced the "Millennial Makers," three characters who depict how Millennials are empowered by tech, fueled by a healthy sense of self, and driven to make real change in a failing system. Check out Food Truck Frank, Meme-ing Madison, and Slashitude Steve below!

[Friday Fun] RootsTalk: Minnesota Rising

This week, I'm at the Grassroots Solutions staff retreat, having a ball reconnecting with colleagues and focusing heavily on the topic of relationship-building. While I'm away, I figure I can share my RootsTalk (a 5-minute Ted Talk-style presentation) from our companywide retreat in 2011. It's the quintessential introductory talk to Minnesota Rising, so I'm posting it for purposes of posterity as well as a little bit less text to take in on a Friday morning. Enjoy the audio/visual!

Friday Fun | Guante "Starfish"

Last month, I attended a benefit concert supporting a group working on the issue of massive foreclosures, largely in North Minneapolis neighborhoods. Guante was one of several spoken word artists and talented local musicians to grace the stage that night, performing his piece proclaiming, "I was struck by lightning." In it, he posits that those whom undergo powerful experiences, whether positive or negative, are given just that much energy, and that its their own choice whether and how they funnel it back out into the world. It's a compelling case that those who go through some of the hardest and most trying of struggles may be very well the most courageous and superhuman among us.

Below, for some Friday fun, I'm sharing Guante's "Starfish" piece. Enjoy!