News & Updates
What do Fellows say about the program and their Move for America experience?
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.
2022 Fellowship Orientation: Fall
Cohort
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!
National Night Out: Camdentown
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!
ListenFirst Coalition Community Empathy Café
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 -
2022 Fellowship Orientation: Summer
Cohort
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!
Building Unity Through Listening and Civic Participation
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.
Unity and Bridging Diverse Perspectives
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.