A year of community. A year of change. A week of crazy hectic activity to kick it all off. This, I thought, was what was waiting for me when I stepped out of my apartment building into the warm August air at the start of Move for America's orientation week, a five-day learning process to equip a new cohort of fellows for bridging divides in the year ahead. In many ways, I found exactly what I predicted, but in others, I was deeply surprised, and pleasantly so. Upon entering the Barrel House, our charmingly old-fashioned meeting place, I found a warm welcome, a cup of coffee and a group of people brought together by common cause awaiting me--people ready to work and play in ways that were kind, equitable, respectful and authentic. The training, when it began, served only to add infinite layers of depth to the space that the group held both for and with one another, and it was truly one of the best trainings of my life. This was a great joy to me, given the organizations' mission. Move for America's main goal is to place fellows into positions where they might both bridge civic divides and better their communities in a year-long, immersive experience. It is particularly vital in such important, collaborative work that all involved begin from a strong foundation, and thus ensuring everyone has the tools they need is a natural and necessary first step. From the opening day, it was immediately obvious that the trainings throughout the week had been accordingly curated and facilitated with great care. The five of us Fellows spent the week learning about ourselves, our individual and collective cultures, our communities, and effective ways in which to both speak and listen to facilitate the sorts of profound and catalyzing conversations that were so plentiful for us during this time. The curriculum was robust, with important segments such as navigating conflict, being aware of bias and intentionally framing the narratives we might tell in a way that celebrates those we serve.

While the news shows evidence that difference and divides between people are stronger than ever, social movements and other uniting forces are showing the power of human connection and unity—despite differences. Sit with folks who hold space for diverse communities and lead work to make our dreams of a better world for all possible. Learn practical techniques to move into differences and learning. Build your capacity to find and foster unity. Bringing decades of diverse perspectives and experience, panelists will highlight stories that will leave you inspired by the truth and power of connection.

While the news shows evidence that difference and divides between people are stronger than ever, social movements and other uniting forces are showing the power of human connection and unity—despite differences. Sit with folks who hold space for diverse communities and lead work to make our dreams of a better world for all possible. Learn practical techniques to move into differences and learning. Build your capacity to find and foster unity. Bringing decades of diverse perspectives and experience, panelists will highlight stories that will leave you inspired by the truth and power of connection.

Move for America participated w/ the ListenFirst Coalition Empathy Café. We had the opportunity to experience, learn and practice the Empathy Circle process in small breakout circles. This also allowed us to network and build connections within the ListenFirst Coalition, talk about any relevant topics in the community, and develop ideas surrounding empathy to implement. OUR TOPIC WAS: How should we use our current political process to promote bridging? Or Whatever is alive for you? (i.e. what is important to you.) Our mission at MFA is to catalyze a generation of leaders to bridge divides and strengthen civic dialogue, so empathy is significant when considering that dialogue piece that’s necessary to productively lean into our differences in order to bring constructive dialogue together for shared problem solving - If we don’t have a framework for listening, then theres no effective listening taking place -

Move for America held 5 full days of Orientation and Inclusive Leadership Development programming in June to welcome our summer cohort of 3. Our host partner, Greater Minneapolis Council of Churches (GMCC), graciously provided the location for Orientation, and it was a huge success! We spent time getting the Fellows familiarized with the program, discussing self and culture, as well as community engagement and conflict resolution. This included an Intercultural Conflict Style Workshop and practice with the Open Mind Platform, an online learning tool designed to equip our Fellows with the mind and skillset to communicate constructively across differences. We even received a virtual visit from 2/4 Fellows from the summer 2021 Fellowship. They shared their experiences with this year's Fellows, answered questions, and offered advice!

The first Tuesday in August is an annual night to gather with neighbors and partner with the city of Minneapolis. Minneapolis leads the nation for NNO participation, and every year, thousands of residents take part in Block parties, Festivals, Parades, Cookouts, Youth activities, and even Public information events - Each neighborhood plans its own event! This year, Camdentown's National Night Out was an old-school block party around the North Market parking lot. They offered collaborative art, FREE food, music, games, and GREAT energy on a HOT summer day!

Graduation is a multifaceted gem. It's a culmination of effort, an accomplishment that recognizes hard work and knowledge gained--a celebration! But it's also an ending, and endings, by their very nature, also hold uncertainty as the structure that had characterized the last several years gives way for something new. For many, this transition carries with it a great deal of anxiety and a burning question--what comes next? While we know we can never answer that question for everyone, we have a suggestion that applies no matter the major--A Move for America Fellowship! Our year-long, intensive Fellowship is packed full of supportive opportunities to learn, grow, and experience. After training in communication, conflict, and open dialogue, Fellows are matched with a nonprofit for impactful work engaging community members across differences to build a better future. With a diverse cohort of Fellows alongside mentors and leaders ready to help you shine, it's a great opportunity for networking, deepening knowledge and getting hands-on work experience in an inclusive leadership setting. Check out these frequently asked questions to learn more!

We ended the month of August with another 5 full days of Orientation and Inclusive Leadership Development programming to welcome our Fall cohort of 4. Our host partner, Greater Minneapolis Council of Churches (GMCC), graciously provided the location once again for Orientation, and it was one to remember! ♥ We discussed community engagement, of course, self and culture, conflict resolution, and authentic professionalism in preparation for their first week serving at their project sites. Midway through the week, one of our Fellows felt under the weather, but he was able to take time to recover at home while still participating virtually the following day! Unfortunately, another one of our Fellows became ill on Thursday. We were bummed nonetheless, yet we were able to collaborate on ways to be adaptable and inclusive for the virtual team :) The Fall cohort also had the opportunity to meet a Fellow from last year and another from our Summer cohort. They shared their experiences and answered questions, giving the Fall cohort the support and encouragement they needed to feel confident in their new roles!

My time at Ames Lake helped me understand the ambivalent relationship people often had towards the police since they acted as both a violent figure in the community (something I witnessed directly) and an important resource." This continues to make Owen rethink how teaching might reinforce and rely on modes of authority that evoke policing that can alienate our students; and how the role of an educator is to help build students' tools and language of agency. Owen Sayre served at A. Johnson Elementary School and Opportunity Neighborhood Ames Lake. When asked how his time at Ames Lake influences the way he enters spaces now, he shared how his experience helped him understand how kids might understand power and oppression without yet necessarily having the full language to do so, which informs his teaching.