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Join Us! Tapping the Potential of Community Engagement Series

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Nexus Community Engagement Institute invites you to: 

Tapping the Potential of Community Engagement:
A 4-part Introduction to the Field of Community Engagement

REGISTER HERE

Dates: June 1, June 8, June 22, June 29
Time: 9:00 am – 12 Noon
Where: UROC Room 105, 2001 Plymouth Ave N, Minneapolis, MN 55411

Description: This workshop series is designed to deepen your knowledge, broaden your perspective, and sharpen your skills as you explore the potential for community engagement to create equitable, healthy, and sustainable communities. The sessions are for anyone who is interested in learning more about community engagement, or for those who wish to deepen their work with community.

Session Topics:

  • Session 1: What is Community Engagement? Why is it Important?
  • Session 2: Effective Tools for Community Engagement
  • Session 3: The Link between Community Engagement and Equity
  • Session 4: Integrate Community Engagement into your Organization’s Work and Culture

Learning Goals:

  • Understand the principles and values of community engagement and how it differs from other practices, such as outreach and the traditional social service model.
  • Learn how community engagement can make your work more effective.
  • Utilize community engagement tools for building relationships, leadership, and ownership.
  • Explore how community engagement leads to equity and how understanding equity is essential for effective community engagement.
  • Assess your organization’s readiness and capacity to incorporate community engagement as an approach in your work.

*NEW THIS YEAR: Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) Cultural Exploration Pre-Work Option: Culture, healingand relationships are central to authentic and sustainable community engagement. Thus, this year we are piloting offering the Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) as an optional pre-work add-on for participants who are interested in more deeply exploring culture and identity, as well as challenges and opportunities connecting across difference and commonality. Your confirmation email upon registration will have more information and next steps for opting into the IDI pre-work component, which will take place in May 2018 prior to the beginning of the workshop series.*

Fee: A few scholarships are available, no one will be turned away. Contact Angie for details (see below).

  • Individuals: $450 for all four sessions
  • **Groups of 3-5 from one organization: $400 per person for all four sessions**
  • *Individuals Plus IDI Pre-Work Option: additional $150 per person for IDI group session and individual feedback session in May 2018 – registration is separate and will come with your confirmation email from one of the above selections*

NOTE: Attendance at all four sessions is required, as this is a cohort experience and each session builds upon previous sessions.

**Please do not register for more than 5 participants from one organization** -this is to ensure a mix of participants from various sectors and backgrounds for a rich, dynamic experience. Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns about this requirement.

Feedback from Previous “Tapping the Potential of Community Engagement” Participants:

  • “The series is a challenging, inspiring experience that anyone and everyone can learn and grow from.”
  • “I would recommend this workshop series….the conversations, connections, and knowledge learned will help them go from outreach to engagement; from equality to equitable approaches.”
  • “It’s very helpful both as an introduction to CE as well as providing more in-depth training for people already working in CE.”
  • “Prepare to be challenged and accept that what you’ve been doing needs a new perspective.”

REGISTER HERE

About Nexus Community Engagement Institute: Nexus Community Engagement Institute (NCEI) advances and strengthens communities through equity-based community engagement, both locally and nationally. NCEI is continuing the work of the Building the Field of Community Engagement collaborative (BTF).

Facilitators and Presenters: The presenters and facilitators are staff and partners of Nexus Community Partners and Nexus Community Engagement Institute.

Contact Angie Brown at abrown@nexuscp.org with questions or for more information about scholarships.

Boards and Commissions Leadership Institute (BCLI) Program Director Terri Thao and BCLI Alumna Sonya Lewis are hitting the road to help the State of MN promote the state boards and commissions!

Come to an upcoming information session in your region between now and December 14th to learn more about how you can connect, engage and participate in the policy decisions that impact YOU by serving on a state board, commission or task force! 

Click here to register for one of the information sessions!

 

  • Who should come? Anyone who is interested in learning about civic engagement, certainly young adults (18+) interested in learning more about this topic.
  • Why come? Learn about what opportunities are available to participate in and affect change at the state level.
  • Why serve?
    • Ability to shape and influence public policy through your knowledge and lived experience
    • Expand networks across the state
    • Understand how state government works, especially since there are several different agencies working on many different issues
    • Grow your personal & professional development skills
  • What do state boards and commissions do?
    • Review agency reports, state policies, plans and budget
    • Facilitate community input and incorporate public comments on policy
    • Research and inform the agency of critical issues
    • Make recommendations to agency
    • Make decisions on policies and implementation

Staff from the MN Department of Human Rights and Governor’s Office will be present too! Click on the following link to take you to the main page where you can register as well. https://mn.gov/mdhr/news-community/diversity-inclusion/events.jsp

Register now!

Tapping the Potential of Community Engagement

A 4-part Introduction to the Field of Community Engagement

Dates: November 10, November 17, December 1, December 8
Time: 9:00 am – 12 Noon
Where: UROC Room 107, 2001 Plymouth Ave N, Minneapolis, MN 55411

Register today – space is limited!

About the Series

This workshop series is designed to deepen your knowledge, broaden your perspective, and sharpen your skills as you explore the potential for community engagement to create equitable, healthy, and sustainable communities. The sessions are for anyone who is interested in learning more about community engagement, or for those who wish to deepen their work with community.

Session Topics:

  • Session 1: What is Community Engagement? Why is it Important?
  • Session 2: The Link between Community Engagement and Equity 
  • Session 3: Effective Tools for Community Engagement
  • Session 4: Integrate Community Engagement into your Organization’s Work and Culture

Learning Goals:

  • Understand the principles and values of community engagement and how it differs from other practices, such as outreach and the traditional social service model.
  • Learn how community engagement can make your work more effective.
  • Utilize community engagement tools for building relationships, leadership, and ownership.
  • Explore how community engagement leads to equity and how understanding equity is essential for effective community engagement.
  • Assess your organization’s readiness and capacity to incorporate community engagement as an approach in your work.

Fee: A few scholarships are available, no one will be turned away for inability to pay. Contact Angie for details (see below).

  • Individuals: $450 for all four sessions
  • **Groups of 3-5 from one organization: $400 per person for all four sessions**

NOTE: Attendance at all four sessions is required, as this is a cohort experience and each session builds upon previous sessions.

**Please do not register for more than 5 participants from one organization** – this is to ensure a mix of participants from various sectors and backgrounds for a rich, dynamic experience. Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns about this requirement.

Feedback from Previous “Tapping the Potential of Community Engagement” Participants:

  • “The series is a challenging, inspiring experience that anyone and everyone can learn and grow from.”
  • “I would recommend this workshop series….the conversations, connections, and knowledge learned will help them go from outreach to engagement; from equality to equitable approaches.”
  • “It’s very helpful both as an introduction to CE as well as providing more in-depth training for people already working in CE.”
  • “Prepare to be challenged and accept that what you’ve been doing needs a new perspective.”

About Nexus’ Community Engagement Institute: Nexus’ Community Engagement Institute (NCEI) is an initiative designed to advance and strengthen communities through equity-based community engagement, both locally and nationally. Click here to learn more about our work.

Facilitators and Presenters: The presenters and facilitators are staff and partners of Nexus Community Partners and Nexus’ Community Engagement Institute, which is continuing the work of the Building the Field of Community Engagement collaborative (BTF). Please forward this invitation to anyone who might be interested.

Contact Angie Brown at abrown@nexuscp.org with questions or for more information about scholarships.

REGISTER HERE

The Community Engagement Institute invites you to the next Engaged Learning Series: Community Engagement through a Healing Lens on Thursday, September 28th from 9-11am. Register here!

the Engaged Learning Series: Developing a Community of Practice for Community Engagement. Friday, May 19th, 2017 from 9:00am to 11:00am. Register here!

 

On Thursday, December 8th, 2016, Nexus BCLI had its second Issue Series of the program year. At this event, we had three great guest speakers come share their experiences from their varied perspectives on the issues of economic development. In particular, they talked to the power of people organizing around the planning process. Guests were Vicki Moore, a veteran community organizer, Kate Lamers, a Minneapolis city planner, and Va-Megn Thoj, executive of the Asian Economic Development Assocation (AEDA). This event was hosted at the East Side Neighborhood Services in Minneapolis.

A full audio recording of the December Issue Series can be found below:

 

On November 3rd, 2016, The Twin Cities BCLI kicked off its first Issue Series in partnership with HOPE Community Inc., to talk about positional and community leadership. Executive Director Mary Keefe, along with Community Resilience Organizer Oduabaa and Director of Youth Leadership and Community Outreach Andrew Hopkins (Dhop) came to share their wisdom and experience about leadership. The guests had deep discussions about the differences, and sometimes overlap of what leadership means on an individual level versus the type of leadership and authority that comes from skills learned, groomed and given by official titles and positions.

A full audio recording of the November Issue Series can be found below:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SEPTEMBER 14, 2016

Building More Equity Champions:
The Twin Cities Boards and Commissions Leadership Institute Announces its Fourth Cohort!

Nexus Community Partners is thrilled to announce the selection of 16 fellows for the 2016-2017 Boards and Commissions Leadership Institute (BCLI).

The BCLI is a seven-month leadership program designed to identify, train, and support placement of dynamic leaders of color and underrepresented communities onto publicly appointed boards and commissions in the Twin Cities. BCLI fellows help advance an equity agenda across several sectors and issue areas.

This group of 16 leaders also includes 2 fellows from Duluth, indicating the statewide reach and appeal of the program.

The fourth BCLI cohort members are:

Allysia Jenkins, nominated by The University of Minnesota School of Nursing
Ayan Hassan, nominated by The Wesley Center for Spirituality, Service and Social Justice at Hamline University
Chakita Lewis nominated by Resources Health Center
Hodan Hassan nominated by People for Pride in Living
Hieu Nguyen nominated by BCLI Alumni
Jacquelyn Thomas nominated by Village PTSA
Jocelyn Beard nominated by BCLI Alumni
Jonathan Harris nominated by Leading Individuals and Families to (L.I.F.T) to End Poverty
Manu Lewis nominated by Minneapolis Neighborhood & Community Relations
Salaam Witherspoon nominated by Community Action Partnership – Duluth
Sheronda Orridge nominated by BCLI Alumni
Shannon Eckman nominated by Minnesota Homeownership Center
Shaun Williams-Wyche nominated by Wilder Neighborhood Leadership Program (NLP)
Sindy Morales Garcia nominated by The Wilder Foundation
Susie Green nominated by Community Action Partnership – Duluth
Thamyr Goalafaie nominated by Department of Labor & Industry, State of Minnesota

The BCLI is building momentum within local governing bodies, as decision makers become not only representative of, but accountable to, our communities of color and other marginalized communities in the Twin Cities. The incoming BCLI fellows join 41 alumni, 24 of which have been successfully appointed on a board or commission or hold a high level policy position, and all of whom are building and pushing racial, social and economic equity in the community. Collectively we look forward to ensuring equitable outcomes in local and regional public policies. Biographies of each fellow can be found on Nexus’ website, https://www.nexuscp.org/our-work/boards-and-commissions-leadership-institute/current-fellows/. The Twin Cities BCLI has been adapted from the Boards and Commissions Leadership Institute originally created by Urban Habitat in Oakland, California.

Please help us welcome and celebrate the incoming cohort at the BCLI Launch Event on Thursday, October 6th,  2016 from 6:00pm – 8:00pm at Twin Cities campus of Saint Mary’s University (East Banquet Room) University Center, Twin Cities Campus, 2540 Park Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55404. The theme of this year’s launch is “Strengthening Champions for Equity”. Come meet the fellows, mingle with BCLI alumi, and hear from local leaders about the equity movement. The event is free, but please register online: (https://tcbcli1617launch.eventbrite.com)

For more information about the BCLI, the launch or ways to become involved, please contact the program director, Ms. Terri Thao at tthao@nexuscp.org or program coordinator Mr. Chai Lee at clee@nexuscp.org.

Please join us on Wednesday, September 14th for our third conversation in our Community Wealth Building Learning Series: “Infusing Investments to Expand Community Wealth Building Initiatives.” In this session, we will explore the Community Wealth Building framework and “lift up” financial models that contribute to local and broad based ownership. Presentations and discussion will focus on cooperative financing, community sourced capital and the role of philanthropy in supporting for and non-profit business enterprises. We hope you can join us!

When: September 14th from 9:00am to 12:00pm (light breakfast & networking from 9-9:30)

Where: UROC, 2001 Plymouth Ave N. Minneapolis

Guest speakers include:
  Ricardo Levins Morales/RLM Studios, Artist, Author and Activist
Kim Arnone/Vice President, Cutting Edge Capital (Oakland, CA)
Joe Riemann/Associate Director, Shared Capital Cooperative
John Fetzer, Program Officer, Northwest Area Foundation

REGISTER HERE

Nexus Community Partners is thrilled to announce the selection of 15 fellows for the 2015-2016 Boards and Commissions Leadership Institute (BCLI).

The BCLI is a seven-month leadership program designed to identify, train, and support placement of dynamic leaders of color and underrepresented communities onto publicly appointed boards and commissions in the Twin Cities. BCLI fellows help advance an equity agenda across several sectors and issue areas.

Nexus is proud to introduce our third cohort and welcome them into the BCLI community:

Cacje Henderson, nominated by the Office of Senator Klobuchar
Deqa Sayid, nominated by the Student, Family & Community Engagement Department, Minneapolis Public Schools
Hanna Getachew-Kreusser, nominated by Avenues for Homeless Youth
Harrison Bullard, nominated by a BCLI Alum
Jeanette Jones, nominated by District 6 Planning Council and Ramsey County Community Human Services Citizen’s Advisory Council
Joane’ McAfee, nominated by a BCLI Alum
LaCora Bradford Kesti, nominated by Hope Community, Inc.
Luis Rangel Morales, nominated by the Neighborhood Justice Center
Mustafa Jumale, nominated by a BCLI Alum
Nichol Ellis-McGregor, nominated by Project for Pride in Living
Tiphanie (PH) Copeland, nominated by the Bush Foundation
Ron Harris, Jr., nominated by Amherst H. Wilder Foundation
Thorne Bordeaux, nominated by American Indian Opportunities Industrialization Center
Tonya Draughn, nominated by Frogtown Rondo Home Fund
Wakinyan LaPointe, nominated by the Native Youth Alliance of Minnesota

The BCLI is building momentum within local governing bodies, as decision makers become not only representative of, but accountable to, our communities of color and other marginalized communities in the Twin Cities. The incoming BCLI fellows join 26 alumni, 17 of which have been successfully appointed on a board or commission or hold a high level policy position, and all of whom are building and pushing racial, social and economic equity in the community. Collectively we look forward to ensuring equitable outcomes in local and regional public policies. Biographies of each fellow can be found on Nexus’ website, https://www.nexuscp.org/our-work/boards-and-commissions-leadership-institute/current-fellows/.

Please help us welcome and celebrate the incoming cohort at the BCLI Launch Event on Thursday, October 8th from 5:30-8pm at Heritage Park Senior Services Center, 1015 N. 4th Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55411. The theme of this year’s launch is an African proverb, “Many people in many small places undertaking many modest actions can transform the world.” Come meet our fellows, mingle with BCLI alum, and hear from local leaders about the equity movement. The event is free and register online: http://2015tcbclilaunch.eventbrite.com.

For more information about the BCLI, or ways to become involved, please contact the program director, Ms. Terri Thao at tthao@nexuscp.org. For more information about the BCLI Launch Event, please contact the event planner, BCLI Alum Leila Paye-Baker at leila.paye@gmail.com.

Click here to read more about the March Thursday Night Issue Series, and click the links below to hear the audio recordings of panelists.

View the photo gallery here

Larry Hiscock

Click here for his PowerPoint presentation.

Karen Nikolai

Ebony Ruhland

Dr. Cecilia Martinez