Today’s Minneapolis chapter launch was awesome. Fred and the gang couldn’t make it, but 12 citizens of the Minneapolis community took time out of their Sunday to learn about ServeNext and share their knowledge of the Twin Cities. While this was our smallest event so far, the quality of the people in the room and the conversation blew Matt and I away. Starting with our amazing hosts — Warren Hanson and Denise Mayotte — who provided 3 different chili’s (as well as a bed for me since Thursday), we discussed various ways AmeriCorps is making an impact in Minnesota, aided by Stacey’s insight as a ServeMinnesota program officer. We also met one of the co-leaders of the AmeriCorps Alums Twin Cities chapter.
At the beginning of the day, we were a bit worried about the turnout for the event. This was our first event without a strong base before the tour, and it was on a Sunday afternoon. Our concerns were put to rest as the event began. The size of the group allowed everyone in the room to grow their understanding of AmeriCorps within Minneapolis and St. Paul, as well as the national movement. Some great ideas were thrown around: ways to leverage the Republican National Convention in September, engaging gubernatorial candidates about state support for National Service programs and different ways to share information throughout the ServeNext community among others.
One of the highlights of the evening was hearing from Devin Clarkson and Peter Caldwell, two gentlemen working on behalf of the Independent Concerned Citizens and advocating for the removal of Minnesota’s state tax on the education award. Check out their video.
We’ll have more info about their campaign in the coming days at BlogNext.
Matt and I are getting ready to jump back on the proverbial bus for chapter launches in Madison and Chicago on Monday and Tuesday, respectively, before heading back East for the rest of the April. Both those events are looking great, if you’re in either area feel free to join us!
1 Comment
April 18, 2008 at 9:59 pm
[...] This is not the first time that the value of the Eli Segal Education Award, given at the successful completion of AmeriCorps members’ term of service, has been under scrutiny. Originally designed to give civic-minded Americans access to and opportunity through higher education, the Segal Education Award has, over time, lost its value with the rising costs of college. Last week, we met Devin and Peter, who are on a similar crusade in Minnesota. [...]