Northspan is set to host the first annual virtual Northeast Minnesota Equity Summit in partnership with regional and statewide collaborators.
The Equity Summit is an opportunity for community leaders, businesses, educators, creatives, workforce and economic development, government, health care, philanthropy, and YOU to engage around themes related to diversity, equity, and inclusion and forge a more inclusive future in northeast Minnesota.
The summit, scheduled for Wednesday, October 27th, will be held on Zoom from 9:00-11:30 a.m. It is free of charge, but please register in advance.
The summit is part of the larger Welcoming Community programming Northspan is launching. Its goal is to integrate new residents or those from historically disadvantaged backgrounds to foster an inclusive environment that sets the stage for community and economic growth.
The summit agenda includes:
- Welcome & Introductions
- Cultural Invocation
- Ice Breaker & Introductions
- What’s the data say about our region? How are we changing?
- Rural Communities Equity Action Guide | To Achieve Equitable Economic Ecosystems for Shared Local and Regional Prosperity
- Choose Your Own Adventure | Grassroot Efforts Creating Welcoming and Vibrant Communities
- Maada’ookiing Grassroots Panel
- Wealth, Entrepreneurship & Economic Sustainability (WEES) Panel
- World Café | Regional Welcoming Community Visioning
- Next Steps, Closing, & Adjourn
Participants will learn how groups across the state and region are promoting equity in business, rural areas, and within communities. The summit will include an overview on our changing region, ways to take action in your community, share resources across our region, and educate attendees about unique programming that so many already have underway. Participants will also have the opportunity to engage directly in World Café-style conversations to envision the possibilities of an equitable future for northeast Minnesota.
From practitioners looking to gain new skills and partnerships to community members interested in understanding and discussing the implications of equity work in their communities, all are encouraged and invited to attend. We are striving to bring everyone’s perspectives and experiences to this important learning opportunity and discussion.
Attendees can register for the Northeast Minnesota Virtual Equity Summit HERE.
Northspan’s Welcoming Community programming is funded in part by the Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation, Blandin Foundation, Department of Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation, and the Northland Foundation.