Minnesota

HomeTown YouthForceA COME-BACK/GIVE-BACK APPROACH

One third of families who are working still aren’t making a living wage.  The latest issue of Initiative Quarterly, Broke, delves into poverty in Minnesota.  You can spot the Horizons Program as well on page 8.  Visit www.ifound.org or click here to read more.

Those considering a bid for public office can get a taste of political
life at an Initiative Foundation workshop from 8:30 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.,
Thursday, July 31st in Little Falls.

The workshop will include presentations on grassroots campaigning, legal
reporting, civility, public speaking, media relations and leadership.
Presenters include Minnesota State Rep. Larry Haws; Sue Hilgart,
presidential campaign manager; Kevin Frazell, League of Minnesota
Cities; Tim Houle, Crow Wing County administrator; and Sue Halena, St.
Cloud Times editor.

Candidates of all parties and levels of office are invited to attend
this nonpartisan event, which will take place before the city filing
deadline.

The workshop fee is $40, and registrations are due by Friday, July 25th.
For more information, contact Leah Posterick at (877) 632-9255
toll-free, or visit www.ifound.org  to download
a brochure.

Good news!  Horizons has been funded for another round of 15 communities in MN.  Horizons is an 18-month program of leadership education, community discussion, visioning and action for rural communities with a population of up to 5,000 and a poverty rate of 10% or more.   Maybe it’s the right fit for your community or a community near you.

Several information sessions have been scheduled throughout the state.  The information sessions will provide an opportunity for you to learn more about Horizons, engage with staff and possibly alumni community members, and find out how your community can get involved.

Click on the link to read the complete  Horizons 3 Information Session Schedule.

To learn more about the program and eligibility, visit our program website at:  http://www.extension.umn.edu/community/Horizons/

Last January, we compiled an update for the Minnesota Horizons communities that included the vision statement and the ideas each community was looking into.  To take a look at where you were in January and how far you have come, click here:  community-updates-108.doc.  To read the final work plans, visit each community’s blog site.

Everyday Democracy recently recognized Eveleth for their blog.  CONGRATULATIONS, Eveleth bloggers, on your efforts to highlight positive change in your community!

Check out Eveleth’s blog at: eveleth.blogspot.com