Kendra from Forget-Me-Not Flower Farm outside of Fergus Falls stopped by our office yesterday with an armload of flowers. There's nothing like the power of fresh flowers to brighten one's day and put a smile on one's face!

Joshua Preston - National Rural Youth Assembly from Center for Rural Strategies on Vimeo.

It's a decades-long question: How do rural communities attract and retain young people? It's also the special focus of the Midwest Rural Assembly (MRA),  a gathering of rural community leaders and government officials to exchange ideas and strategies for rural prosperity.

The MRA will be held on August 16–17 in South Sioux City, Nebraska. Along with rural community leaders from throughout the region, participants will include U.S. Department of Agriculture State Rural Development Directors from Minnesota, Iowa, South Dakota, Nebraska and Kansas. Keynote speakers include South Dakota state representative Kevin Killer and Iowa State professor and writer/poet Debra Marquart.

"Rural communities have been particularly hard hit by these tough economic times," said Jim Kleinschmit, director of the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy's Rural Communities program. "But there's also a lot of innovation, energy and ideas coming out of our small towns. This is an opportunity for rural leaders and government representatives to learn about what's working, and as importantly, how we can join together to face many of our common challenges."

A special area of focus is to identify strategies to attract and retain young people in rural communities. Young rural leaders from Minnesota, Montana, Wisconsin and Kansas will share their priorities. Other leaders will discuss successful examples of increasing rural prosperity through cooperative business models, sustainable energy, local food systems, green job creation, rural teacher training, microenterprise programs, integration of immigrants, rural infrastructure projects and more. Policy discussions will cover federal health care reform, farm policy and broadband policy.

Coordinating organizations include: Avera Rural Health Institute, Center for Rural Affairs, Center for Rural Policy and Development, Center for Rural Strategies, Dakota Rural Action, Great Plains Rural Policy Network, Heartland Center for Leadership Development, Iowa Policy Project, The Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy, League of Rural Voters, Meadowlark Institute, National Rural Assembly, National Wildlife Federation, Nebraska Housing Developers Association, North Central Regional Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education, Renewing the Countryside, Rural Learning Center, Rural Policy Research Institute, South Dakota Rural Enterprise, Inc., and West Central Initiative.

The MRA will be held at the Marina Inn Conference Center in South Sioux City, Nebraska. Registrants will receive a special MRA rate if rooms are booked before August 2. To register, and read the full agenda and speakers list, go to http://www.midwestruralassembly.org/.

Northern Connections has a new executive director. Maureen Kenney began her duties June 19. She replaces Debra Carpenter, the founding director who held the position since 2005.

Kenney has held leadership positions in long-term care and nonprofit organizations in the Twin Cities and NW Wisconsin. She has a Master of Public Affairs degree from the H. H. Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs.

If you haven't heard of Northern Connections, it is a private, non-profit organization based in Perham, MN that serves families in west central Minnesota by connecting individuals to resources that help them achieve financial independence. In the past five years, the service region has grown from a nine-county to a 12-county regional program. Northern Connections counselor representatives work with individuals who have recently gone off cash assistance from the Diversionary Work Program (DWP) or the Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP), or with self-referrals from individuals, organizations, friends or family. Each customer receives one-on-one assistance to help them reach individual financial goals through re-employment, job retention, career advancement and asset accumulation.

In January 2010 Northern Connections further expanded its business to include Care Connections, a partnership with the Minnesota Department of Human Services. Care Connections is a statewide toll-free resource line for individuals seeking information on Minnesota Health Care Programs.

Kenney plans to focus on expanding the visibility and capacity of Northern Connections to be even more effective for families across Minnesota communities.

"Our team has been helping individuals in west central Minnesota link to other agencies and programs for the past five years. Now we expand our reach to individuals and families across Minnesota by providing them with information on Minnesota Health Care Programs through our Care Connections resource center, ” Kenney said. "I am looking forward to continuing to support and build partnerships that assist individuals to gain financial independence and access affordable health care.”

Northern Connections call center counselor representatives are available 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday – Friday and 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Saturdays. Our toll free # is 877-346-4624. Individuals interested specifically in Minnesota Health Care Programs can call our toll free Care Connections # 877-405-FIND (3465).

West central Minnesota nonprofits: you spend a lot of time finding the right individuals to sit on your board. Now, give them to tools and knowledge to leverage the work that they do for your organization.

The Board Leadership Academy is a customized training program designed to help nonprofit board and staff members work together to strengthen their organizations' performance and success.

The Otto Bremer Foundation is awarding grants for up to 10 non-profits to attend the program, which involves three sessions over the course of the next year.

Participants will learn how to develop board and executive staff leadership, receive one-to-one coaching, and enjoy learning opportunities through networking and peer interaction. Featured topics will include marketing, fundraising, strategic planning and more.

Along with a grant awarded by the Otto Bremer Foundation for this program, area companies and organizations including West Central Initiative, Tastefully Simple, Bremer and HBH Consultants are proud to sponsor this special program.

To be selected, a nonprofit organization’s executive director and at least two board members must commit to participating in the Board Leadership Academy.

Applications are due by September 1, 2010. Please submit your application (below) electronically to LaTresse Snead at latresse.snead@tastefullysimple.com. We will notify you no later than September 15  if your organization has been selected for this round of Board Leadership Academy.

WCI's Donor Services Officer Tom McSparron recently was recertified as a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE). That designation is important to WCI and to our donors. It means Tom has met standards set by CFRE International that demonstrate he has the knowledge, skills and commitment to perform fundraising duties in an effective, conscientious, ethical and professional manner. Tom has also pledged to uphold the CFRE

WCI is fortunate to have TWO CFRE-certified staff. Vice President of Development Kim Embretson also achieved this designition. 

Tom and Kim would be happy to put their CFRE skills to work for you to help you with your charitable giving dreams and plans. You can contact either Kim (kim@wcif.org) or Tom (tom@wcif.org) at 800 735-2239.

How do you create success in rural communities? A small group of foundation leaders from all over the nation have been tackling this question. They have discovered that when you combine the features of economic development, community development and philanthropy you unlock the secret to success.

Often rural community leaders struggle alone trying to build the systems that will make their community successful. Eight years ago, four community foundations all working with rural economic development were brought together as part of an Aspen Institute learning community. They discovered a common thread of activities that influenced the success of rural communities. They decided to work together to help rural communities all over the nation.

West Central Initiative, The Nebraska Community Foundation, The Humboldt Area Foundation in California, The East Tennessee Foundation, The Black Belt Community Foundation, The Aspen Institute Community Strategies Group, The Center for Rural Strategies, and North Carolina Rural Economic Development Center have formed the Rural Development Philanthropy Collaboration steering committee. They have been able to compare years of experience working with successful rural communities to collect the most effective actions that lead to success.

The Rural Development Philanthropy is no longer a secret. Now the core documents are available for anyone interested in the success of their rural community at http://www.wcif.org/?page=Publications#RDP.  Learn how your rural community or region can benefit from combining economic development, community development and philanthropy.

Grant support from the Ford Foundation, California Endowment, Rockefeller Brothers Fund and the community foundations on the steering committee has helped underwrite the cost of meetings and materials to date.

A long term recovery committee has been formed to lead the support needed in Otter Tail and Wadena counties, and a disaster recovery center is now open in Wadena.  Attached is a fact sheet about how the center can help, plus an assessment sheet for people determining the damage to their property.

The Wadena Tornado Relief Fund continues to help people in Wadena and Otter Tail County that have been impacted by the June 17th tornado. All donations will be distributed to benefit both rural and city families that need some help after the storm. 

Make you donation now to the Wadena Tornado Relief Fund through GiveMn.org.  

Have you been taking a lot of photos this summer? How about videos? Well, don't forget to enter your best in the WCI Photo/Video Contest, "Creating a Better Tomorrow for West Central Minnesota." The deadline is less than two weeks away, July 16!  

Take a look at some of the photos already posted (like this adorable one here by Janelle Alvstad-Mattson), then upload your own. Don't forget to include a short description/essay about why your photo/video illustrates "creating a better for west central Minnesota."

Share this information with friends, families, colleagues--oh, and mention the 22 cash prizes, too!

Our website has a brand new blog! "See How Our Garden Grows" chronicles our first efforts to create a garden at WCI. Our goal is to donate the produce to nonprofits like our local food shelf.

Subscribe to our garden blog and watch the progress!

The Initiative Foundation, in partnership with the City of Wadena and the Mid-Central Federal Savings Bank, will accept donations and administer the online Wadena Tornado Relief Fund.

The Initiative Foundation and West Central Initiative will match the first $12,500 in online donations at http://www.givemn.org/wadena. Donors should click on the "Wadena Tornado Relief” link.

100 percent of tax-deductible donations will go to the City of Wadena to meet the needs of impacted families and help with volunteer clean-up efforts. GiveMN.org, a Minnesota-based nonprofit giving portal, also allows donors to share the giving opportunity through Facebook and other social media sites.

Donation checks may also be mailed to:

Wadena Tornado Relief Fund

c/o Mid-Central Federal Savings Bank
PO Box 152
Wadena, MN 56482

http://www.midcentralbank.org/

For more information, contact the foundation at (877) 632-9255 or info@ifound.org.

The paint is coming! The paint is coming! from West Central Initiative on Vimeo.

The TAC guides and assists West Central Initiative in regional transportation planning activities, performed under contract with the Minnesota Department of Transportation (Mn/DOT). The TAC also serves as an advisory body to the Mn/DOT District 4 Area Transportation Partnership (ATP).

It's important for us to have many voices when it comes to regional transportation planning. If you work in freight or commercial transport, help us find a voice for your sector!

For more information, download these documents:

Position description 

Nomination form

Navigating the job market these days may be a lot different from when you first looked for work. Fortunately, there are many resources available to help those 55 and older search for new employment.

The Labor Force Development Council of West Central Minnesota has compiled a simple step-by-step guide that brings together tips and online tools to help older workers prepare the best way possible to successfully land a new job.

Steps include:

1. Learn how to handle change.
2. Work on your computer skills.
3. Take advantage of 55+ online job search resources.
4. Update your resume and cover letter.
5. Brush up on your interview techniques.
6. Find support for other issues.

To view or download the guide and access other helpful resources, articles and links, visit www.wcif.org/?older-worker-toolkit.

The "2010 Reinventing Minnesota -- Minnesota Community Pride Competition” is open for nominations beginning June 1, 2010, with winners announced and cash awards distributed August 29 at the Minnesota State Fair. The Minnesota State Fair is donating $15,000 in cash awards. Applications are due July 16. 

The program is co-sponsored by the Minnesota State Fair, MinnPost.com, and Minnesota Rural Partners, Inc (MRP) and is open to all Minnesota communities, including neighborhoods. Special categories this year include Rural Urban Partnering and Youth-Led Community Engagement.

Learn more about the Minnesota Community Pride Competition and download nomination forms here!

The surface is really cushy and made for soft landings. The ladders are just right for smaller hands and feet. The slide isn't so high. It's the new toddler playground at McKinley Elementary School in Fergus Falls, and it's the brainchild of the Fergus Falls Early Childhood Initiative. McKinley School is a Pre-K/K facility so it made sense to build the playground there. The ECI worked with the school and school board to okay the project, and raised about $30,000 to make the playground a reality.

The playground is just the first phase of a three-phase project, which will include an expanded play area with bike and walking paths, plus an indoor play area.

The West Central Leadership Academy was designed to help previously undiscovered rural leaders realize their power and take more active roles in building their communities future. The Leadership Academy provides a space and structure for individuals to build and practice competencies that will help them become more effective community leaders. The University of Minnesota Extension Services developed the Leadership Academy curriculum and is currently delivering it to 20 participants in eight four-hour sessions.

It wasn't just note-taking. The participants took part in many activities that illustrate the importance of good leadership.

Are leaders born or made? That was one of the first questions facilitator Cindy Biggar asked the participants of the Leadership Academy. They lined up against the wall, "born leaders" on one end (right), "made leaders" on the other (left), and all points in between.

In this exercise, participants representing various community members (businesses, nonprofits, healthcare, government agencies, etc.--the titles were taped on their chairs) found out how they all had to work together to accomplish a task--in this case, being directed by one person to try to pick up blocks on the table in the middle with hooks suspended from ropes.

The partners behind the Leadership Academy include:

· Lakes and Prairies Community Action

· Mahube Community Action

· Otter Tail-Wadena Community Action

· West Central MN Community Action

· Northern Connections

· Rural MN CEP

· United Way of Douglas & Pope Counties

These partners nominated people they recognized as having untapped leadership potential to the program and will support them in putting their skills to good use after the Academy concludes.

West Central Initiative provided funding through our leadership development program to pilot the training and is hosting sessions in our building.

The drive to Henning Thursday morning for the last community breakfast of the season was BEAUTIFUL. WCI staffers watched the sun come up over green, rolling hills, and the mist rise from the marshes and lakes. Two coyotes stood stock still in the tall grass, their eyes intent on some faraway prey. Farther along, a turkey glided across the road, no doubt trying to find either a mate or a safe spot to see through the current turkey hunting season.

Downtown Henning, population about 700, more than 20 people gathered at JoJo's Cafe for breakfast and conversation.

The room was quiet at first when WCI President Nancy Straw asked, "What's the best thing about living in Henning?" But then, well, you couldn't stop folks if you tried!  It's a friendly, welcoming community, the attendees said, a great place to raise a family. There's a terrific public school that seems more like a private or a charter school. There's little traffic, a downtown that provides 98 percent of the community's shopping needs, good services like a doctor, plumbing, excavating, etc., a city that's not afraid to step in to help out when needed. The school is very supportive of early childhood education.

There are some things that they need, or could do better at--there always is with any town. It was a sad day when the town lost its bakery. The bowling alley closed, but now there's real interest in opening it again--which would be great for young people who don't have much to do in town ( a re-occurring theme at many of our breakfasts). A couple light manufacturing businesses would be great in order to increase job opportunities. There are 23 homes for sale in Henning. The city, school and local banks are working to create an attractive incentive package for families who buy homes in town.

The attendees talked about trying to tap the skills and resources of those living on the surrounding lakes, who may not be known in town. They talked about buying local. "Did you know you can buy a washing machine at the local hardware store?" someone asked the group. They talked about the need for more child care in town. Could a facility be built that emphasized early childhood development and could be a feeder program for the school? Perhaps it could be a community effort or a faith-based program.

Speaking of faith-based, more than one person expressed their appreciation for the churches and how they worked so well together and with the community.

The CEDS is submitted to the Economic Development Administration each year and covers the counties of Becker, Clay, Grant, Douglas, Otter Tail, Pope, Stevens, Traverse and Wilkin. The document incorporates demographic data and analysis pertaining to the region as well as economic development projects seeking EDA funding.

It's Mental Health Awareness Month. The Maryland Coalition of Families for Children’s Mental Health offers these tips for nurturing your child's social and emotional health.

Just as each child is different, so is each parent! Incorporating the following practices into your parenting style will give your child the best chance to develop and maintain good emotional and mental health:

• Do your best to provide a safe home and community for your child, as well as nutritious meals, regular health checkups, immunizations and exercise.
• Be aware of the stages of child development.
• Encourage your child to express his or her feelings; respect those feelings.
• Promote mutual respect and trust.
• Listen to your child.
• Examine your own problemsolving and coping skills and ensure you are setting a good example.
• Encourage your child’s talents and accept limitations.
• Spend time regularly with your child.
• Discipline constructively, fairly and consistently.
• Love unconditionally.
• Foster your child’s independence and selfworth.

Want to learn more? Check out this helpful brochure about children's mental health.

See the list of Minnesota organizations that haven't filed yet.

Filing is simple: the chief person from the organization can return the form online through an approved IRS 990N e-file provider or go to the online e-postcard.  

It's amazing what a gallon of paint can do to spruce up a room. Now imagine what 508 gallons can do for a region. That's how much paint Minnesota-based Valspar Corporation is giving this year to west central Minnesota as part of its Minnesota Beautiful (formerly Picture It Painted) program. Eight organizations throughout the nine-county region will receive paints, coatings and sealants from Valspar this year.

Projects include:

• Grant County Fairgrounds spruce-up, Herman
• 6th Avenue Community Center, Alexandria
• Hoffman Community Center, Hoffman
• West Central Minnesota Community Action, Inc., Group Work Camp for Stevens, Pope and Grant counties
• Picnic shelter and restroom revitalization, Fergus Falls
• Westgate Skate Rink beautification project, Hawley
• Inman Township Hall, Henning
• Memory care commons area, Evergreens of Moorhead

One thing was clear: residents are passionate and concerned about the success and future vitality of their town on the shores of the beautiful Lake Minnewaska. In the last few years Starbuck's hospital closed its doors, and it lost its schools to consolidation--things that are tough for a town to rebound from. 

Since then, young families helped open Glacial Hills Elementary, a charter school that "has filled a void within the community of Starbuck. The community has recognized that and appreciates the school for allowing the children of Starbuck to attend close to home."

The Dragon Boat Races were introduced last year to encourage tourism and was wonderfully received by residents and visitors alike.

Starbuck is hoping vacationers and retirees settling down in the area will really help the city's economy. But breakfast attendees hoped residents would do their part too by shopping locally as much as possible. "Let's face it, people go to other, larger towns to go shopping," one attendee said. Could a "Shop Local" campaign help, the group wondered.

The beauty of the area and the quaintness of the town are attractive to families, but jobs are few and far between in the Starbuck area, the participants admitted. It's a double-edged sword--few jobs, and few people to fill those jobs, they said. The group discussed economic development at length. The chamber of commerce and city are working on creating a young entrepreneur program to encourage young people to develop ideas and open businesses right in town. Attendees hoped an economic developer like Starbuck once had may again be feasible for the city.

If you qualify to apply, we can help you with the application process or refer you for application assistance. Call us at 877-405-FIND (3463) or 218-347-FIND (3463) from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM Monday through Friday and 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM Saturday. Interpreters are available.

If you don’t qualify for assistance programs, we have information on other health care coverage and referrals. There are providers who may see you even if you are not insured. These providers often provide care for a fee based on your ability to pay.

Care Connections is free and just a phone call away. Click on the Applications & Links tab for links to screening sites and applications. Click on the Resources tab for a listing of providers by region of the state. Care Connections is a program provided by Northern Connections, a non-profit organization: www.northernconnections.org

The winner: Courtney Berg from Detroit Lakes High School. Courtney created a business plan for Sugar Lips, which would create specialty cakes for all occasions. 

Courtney won $500 plus incubator office space in the BES Center.

Read more about the BES High School Business Plan competition and the award winners.

West Central Initiative was one of the cash award sponsors.

Congratulations to Courtney and all of the competition winners!

Creating a Better Tomorrow for West Central Minnesota from West Central Initiative on Vimeo.

Foundation looking for imagery to illustrate "creating a better tomorrow for west central Minnesota"

What does a shining future for west central Minnesota look like to you? Do you envision growing business? Flourishing communities? Thriving children? Engaged leadership? Clean lakes? Green energy? West Central Initiative (WCI) is interested in finding out.

The foundation is launching a new juried photo and video contest for both amateur and professional photographers/videographers. The goal is to find imagery that depicts part of WCI's vision statement: "creating a better tomorrow for west central Minnesota."

The online contest opens Monday, May 3 and runs through Friday, July 16, 2010. Twenty-two cash prizes will be awarded in all. Arts professionals from the region will judge the entries. There will also be a People's Choice Award for best video and best photo.

Prizes include:

• $200 for first-place photo/video in both the amateur and professional categories.
• $100 for second-place photo/video in both the amateur and professional categories.
• $50 for three photo/video honorable mentions in both the amateur and professional categories.
• $300 for People's Choice best overall photo and video.

Requirements:

• Entries will be accepted online from May 3 through July 16, 2010.
• Entrants will submit photographs or videos that best exemplify the theme: "Creating a Better Tomorrow for West Central Minnesota."
• Photos and videos must be shot in the counties of Becker, Clay, Douglas, Grant, Otter Tail, Pope, Stevens, Traverse or Wilkin.
• Each entry must include an approximately 100-word essay (entered in the description box) on why it depicts the theme. Any entry without an essay will not be accepted.
• Entrants must be 18 years of age or older.
• Each photo or video will be entered in one of two categories, amateur and professional. Professionals are considered those who earn part of their income from photography or videography. The Amateur category is essentially open for every one.
• Up to six photos/videos per person can be entered.
• You must obtain permission from your subjects to enter their photo/video. A parental release form is required for all children under 18. Download release forms here: http://www.wcif.org/?photovideocontest
• ALL entries are considered your property but by submitting them you are giving West Central Initiative unlimited use for its promotional materials (print and electronic).
• WCI staff and board and immediate family members are not eligible to enter the contest.

For more information, visit http://contest.wcif.org/or call Kim Embretson or Sheri Booms Holm at 800 735-2239.

1. You and your infant or toddler can visit parks, gardens or other natural spots near where you live. Is there a beach, a forest or a marshy area to explore? Talk about the different things that you can see such as birds, trees, plants, insects or animals. This will help your child to learn about what is around him and to feel safe and comfortable as he experiences the natural world.
   
   
2. Consider getting a small pet (such as a goldfish or hamster), or planting a garden or indoor terrarium. Your preschooler can participate in caring for a living thing as she notices different parts of its life cycle, and spend quality time sharing her questions with you. What she learns from caring for her own pet or plant could one day affect her feelings about endangered species or deforestation.

    

3. Play recordings of music that include nature sounds such as waves lapping, rain falling, birds singing or insects chirping. You can dance with your baby as you enjoy the gentle sounds, or provide your toddler with colorful scarves or squares of tissue paper to express his response to the music and sounds in creative ways.

    

4. Make your own toys and craft materials together using recyclable materials and beautiful junk. Musical instruments can be made from empty ice cream containers, paper towel rolls and aluminum pie pans. Create beautiful collages using old magazines, flyers and scraps like onion bags and bottle tops. Your preschooler will discover new uses for old things as he plays and creates!

    

5. Take your infant or toddler to the library and sign out age-appropriate magazines published by various wildlife organizations. There are some wonderful materials designed to introduce the youngest children to nature concepts through photographs and simple text that will encourage their curiosity and their emerging literacy skills.

    

6. Read books with your preschooler such as The Great Kapok Tree by Lynne Cherry and The Lorax by Dr. Seuss. This will provide an excellent opportunity for your child to learn how some things that people do can be harmful to the earth and to think about how we might treat the environment with more care and respect.

For more information about other early childhood activities or programs in your area, contact an Early Childhood Initiative Coalition near you at http://eci.wcif.org/.

WCI staff headed to east Douglas County for a joint

Is it a good place for all ages? There are many retirees who make their residence in the area, the attendees said. The schools are good. Miltona Elementary is a science magnet school that draws 50 percent of its student body from Alexandria. There are plenty of parks and lakes for recreation, but there is no parks and rec programs for kids (not enough attendance) and teens go to Alec for recreation and jobs, and school.

People still talk about the 1970 tornado that pretty much dessimated Miltona. But it brought something out too: cooperation, volunteerism and teamwork. You can see this in Team Miltona, a group of residents, businesspeople, local organizations, churches that meets monthly to share input and plan activities. They put on Tornado Days every year. They are currently running a throw blanket fundraiser, an example of which was hung in the cafe (see photo).

What are the challenges facing Carlos and Miltona? Well, a major sewer district plan in Douglas County failed, leaving towns to try to figure out what the next step is to meet sewer regulations. Since stores, services and jobs are limited, that means people are on the road a lot, usually to Alexandria. If you don't have a car or can't drive, transportation is limited, although the attendees said Rainbow Rider is often a godsend for older folks as well as kids needing to get to Alexandria. Transportation costs may keep some families from moving to their area, as well. Another challenge: getting new people to take leadership roles. Volunteer burn-out is a real concern for a lot of small towns.

NEXT STOP: Starbuck, April 28.

How to Talk "Tooth" When You're Not a Tooth Professional from West Central Initiative on Vimeo.

Nancy Straw, president of West Central Initiative (WCI), Fergus Falls, was elected to the Council on Foundation's Community Foundations Leadership Team. She was nominated and elected by her peers to serve on the team.

The leadership team represents the interests of community foundations across the nation by serving as a communications hub, anticipating and responding to emerging issues, setting priorities among many field-wide needs and opportunities, launching and facilitating initiatives to address priority needs and positioning community foundations within the broader field of philanthropy.

The Council on Foundations is a nonprofit membership association of approximately 2,000 foundations and corporate giving programs. The Council is a voice of philanthropy at the national level and a valued partner globally.

WCI holds the Council on Foundations Community Foundations National Standards Seal.

Accurate data reflecting changes in your community are crucial in apportioning seats in the U.S. House of Representatives and deciding how more than $400 billion per year is allocated for projects like new hospitals and schools.

That's more than $4 trillion over a 10-year period for things like new roads and schools, and services like job training centers.

CALL IN YOUR DATA OR REQUEST A FORM:

Give your answers over the phone or request a form be sent to where you live. Do it today, to ensure you can mail it back in time to avoid a census taker coming to your door. Don't be left out of the count for your community.

Telephone Questionnaire Assistance (TQA)

English - 1-866-872-6868
Chinese: 1-866-935-2010
Korean: 1-866-955-2010
Russian: 1-866-965-2010
Spanish: 1-866-928-2010
Vietnamese: 1-866-945-2010
TDD (Telephone Display Device for the hearing impaired): 1-866-783-2010
Puerto Rico (in English): 1-866-939-2010
Puerto Rico (in Spanish): 1-866-929-2010

Milt says the keys to running at high capacity is employing good people, maximizing the use of technology and networking.

Here are some of the other great ideas people shared with us:

• Set goals. Annually/Monthly/Weekly and down to daily.
  Challenge everyone to perform above their best.
  Self talk.
  Cheerlead success.
  Learn from shortcomings.
  Top of mind challenges.
  Contests.
• Work virtually, flexibly, fluidly.
• Maintain greater focus on your goals in the development plan by posting them on the webpage for the whole world to see.
• Eight hours of sleep a night.
• Review a set of questions on a regular basis. These questions help me create a focus on what is most important, relevant, and significant for today, this week, and this month.
  
  These questions are:
  1. Why does my position exist?
  2. What behavioral values are fundemental to me ( my organization)
  3. How am I unique?
  4. What do I hope (need) to achieve today, this week, this month?
  5. Who is responsible for what actions/activities?
  
  If I am able to answer these questions with any regularity, I have created a built in periodic review of direction, purpose, and significance which will help maximize my capacity as a leader as well as my organization's capacity for achieving our goals and objectives. The most important aspect being regularly reviewing what I am doing and where I am at.
  
  Most of this framework was derived from a variety of places, most significantly Patric Lencioni's Silos, Politics, and Turf Wars.
  
• Recognize that my in-basket and to do list will never be empty. Time away from work is spent with family, reading, eating more fruits and vegetables, and exercising 20-30 minutes a day. While at work, give it my effort to get done what needs to be done. Serve on workgroups that are trying to improve systems with the "what if"' concept about doing things differently.
  
• We have flexible hours with core hours. This allows a person to work at full capacity- an early morning person or late morning person can tailor their work schedule to match their peak peformance.
  
  We also allow through company policy employees to attend family events (no more missing t-ball games, school activities etc. If we are fair to employees they will be more motivated to reach their full capacity.
  
  Volunteering - we do allow employees the freedom to join organizations not directly related to work. This allows them to network, get more perspective of the community, and allow them to enhance their skills outside of the work environment.
  
  Educational improvement- we do have mechanisms in place for some tuition reimbursement for advance learning.
  
  Mentoring program- besides having yearly appraisals we also have someone else other than the supervisor work with the employee for career advancement.
  
  Lastly, we try to create a positive environment in the work force. We realize to reach full capacity it is just more than monetary rewards that drive the employee.
  
• I take a power nap for 15 minutes between 1-2 PM each day. My energy level jumps right back up to full speed for the rest of the day without the use of caffiene.

What do Week of the Young Child (April 11-17), a Nobel Prize-winning economics professor and a group of retired military leaders have in common?

They all focus on the important role early childhood development plays in the future prosperity and security of our nation.

Week of the Young Child is an annual nationwide celebration sponsored by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). Its purpose is to focus public attention on the needs of young children and their families and to recognize the early childhood programs and services that meet those needs.

James Heckman is pretty adamant about meeting those needs too. A professor of economics at the University of Chicago, he works with a consortium of economists, developmental psychologists, sociologists, statisticians and neuroscientists to prove that the quality of early childhood development heavily influences health, economic and social outcomes for individuals and society at large.

Over at our nation's capital, Mission Readiness is a group of retired senior military leaders who are combating the statistic that 75 percent of 17-t o-24-year-old Americans do not qualify to serve in the armed forces because of school failure, criminality and/or physical fitness. Their battle plan: to advocate for policy change that fully funds early childhood education programs, improves graduation rates, supports families in ways that improve parenting skills and reduce child abuse, improve child health, mental health and nutrition services, and help troubled kids get back on track.

All this goes to show that caring for our littlest kids isn't just the job of parents, caregivers and preschool teachers. It's a job we all need to undertake, and it's a job of national importance, too.

Check out NAEYC's Web site, http://www.naeyc.org/, for more information and resources about early childhood development. Or visit West Central Initiative's Web site, http://www.wcif.org/, for resources and a list of activities happening in your area.

Congratulations and thanks go out to Tony Appel for becoming the 200th member of one of our online communities! Tony is a member of the Pine to Prairie Users Group. A WCI reusable, insulated grocery bag, a copy of The 100% Factor by Jodee Bock and many more goodies are on their way to Tony.

Have you been invited to join one of WCI's online communities? We'd love for you to sign up! If you are not part of one of WCI's groups, we invite you to join "Regional Community."

Here are a couple ways to stay in touch:

1. View our Twitter feed at www.twitter.com/wciminn (you don't have to be a Twitter member) or on our Web site at www.wcif.org.
2. If you're a Twitter member, we invite you to become a follower: wciminn.
3. If you use Microsoft Office 2007, you can have the feed go directly to your Outlook inbox. In Outlook, go to Tools-Account Settings-RSS Feeds. Click on "New" and enter: http://twitter.com/statuses/user_timeline/57049552.rss then click "Add."

Have you ever wanted to make a gift in honor of or in memory of someone who has made a lasting impact to your community or region? How about a gift that continues to give for years to come? That's what giving to an endowment can do. West Central Intiative's new remembrance gift card is an easy, attractive way to give to the WCI Endowment Fund or to one of its many component funds. Many communities in west central Minnesota have a WCI-administered component fund--community funds, education funds, lake association funds and more.  As the front of the card says, it's a way of making "A Gift: For Good. Forever" in the name of someone who has contributed so much to your community.

To obtain a gift card, please call WCI at 800 735-2239 or order online.

When you use it, please fill out the return envelope, include a check or credit card information, and mail it to West Central Initiative. Send the beautiful gift card to the person you are honoring or to a family member or other appropriate person so they will know of your remembrance gift. West Central Initiative will also send an acknowledgement of the gift.

According to the U.S. Census' participation map,

Have questions about the Census, didn't receive a form or need assistance filling it out?  Check out the Minnesota 2010 Census Web site for help.

Our early childhood staff always thought it would be great to have a tool that let you find early learning and care services by county. Lo and behold, the Minnesota Department of Education has a new navigable map that does just that! Click on any county and a drop-down menu pops up that lets you choose the kind of program you (your child, your family, your clients, your students, your neighbor, etc.) need, like early childhood screening, special education or early intervention.

Check out the Early Learning Services Program Directory Map by County cool tool on the Minnesota Department of Education Web site. 

Jodee Bock, from Bock's Office Transformational Consulting, lead the group. In a time when everyone is trying to do more with less, Jodee wanted to show that we can learn to work at our "capacity"--what we are capable of doing now--as opposed to trying to reach our "potential," which is "someday, maybe."

Here are a couple interesting things Jodee brought up:

• Are you motivating or inspiring those you work with? Motivation "impels" while inspiration "encourages by filling with confidence and enthusiasm."  Motivation often creates pushback. As an illustration, Jodee asked a participant to hold up her hand. "Now I'm going to push your hand with mine," Jodee said. As she did it, the participant pushed back so Jodee couldn't move her hand. "See, I didn't ask you to push back but you automatically did," Jodee said. "That's what motivation can do."
• Two of the biggest roadblocks to working at capacity? Communication and fear.
• Good communication is the key to effective relationships. Studies show that the actual words we say are just seven percent of what the listener actual "hears." Your tone of voice, your expression, your body language says so much more.
• Fear keeps many of us from achieving success, it creates a "terror barrier" that's hard to climb. Jodee sees "FEAR" as an acronym for "False Evidence Appearing Real." "Authentic fear is when you are threatened with bodily harm. All other fear is inauthentic," she said.
• Jodee encouraged the participants to figure out the "why" to what we want to achieve. She explained that often we don't accomplish more because we're bogged down in trying to figure out how to do something. But if we keep working at why we want to achieve what we want to achieve, the "how's" often fall into place. "When the WHY is big enough, the HOW takes care of itself," she said.
• As we work toward capacity, here are some questions to ask along the way:
  1. What do I want?
  2. What am I doing?
  3. How is that working?
  4. What might I do differently?

Want to learn more about working to your fullest capacity? Check out Jodee Bock's book, The 100% Factor.

What do you or your organization do to try to reach your full capacity? Tell us and you might win a free copy of Jodee's book, The 100% Factor. We'll draw the winning name on April 2. Good luck!

• WCI President Nancy Straw talks about how West Central Initiative helps to leverage an entire region using a little "foundation physics," 
• The Healthy Lakes & Rivers Partnership is now in west central Minnesota,  
• Older Worker-New Job: a step-by-step guide to getting there,
• Why employers should be family friendly.
• And more!

Read articles individually or download a PDF of the entire newsletter.

It's a sure sign of spring when you spot the first WCI staffer on her/his way to an early morning community breakfast after a winter hiatus. First stop of the season: Pelican Rapids and the Crossroads Café, where the food and the conversation were both plentiful.

Pelican Rapids, pop. 2,374, has made the most of its proximity to the many lakes in the area and to Maplewood State Park, which is one of the largest state parks in Minnesota. The community works to draw people into town, especially with its numerous events, like the International Friendship Festival, Turkey Days, Arts in the Park, Holiday Parade and more.

The natural beauty of the area and the great people who live here are top on the list of what's best about living in Pelican Rapids. "People who live here love this community. There is a passion to see it grow and change. I appreciate the commitment and love for the city,” an attendee said.

It's a "right-sized” community, another person said. It's a small town but with plenty of services.

A great school district and the way the community comes together to help out with a need or to celebrate are a couple other plusses mentioned.

Oh, and it's the home of Pelican Pete, too—the largest pelican in the world!

It's a good place for older people, with plenty of housing and services to "age in place.” On the other side of the spectrum there are active early childhood programs, but as they get older, if young folk aren't involved in school activities or love outdoor recreation, "they are out of here come Friday night,” someone said.

The city has worked hard to become a welcoming place for diverse cultures. A grant helped turn the library into a well-used multicultural center. The International Friendship Festival was created as a way of celebrating all of the diversity in the area through food, music, art and more. When 60 percent of the turkey plant employees were being bussed in from elsewhere because there wasn't enough affordable housing in Pelican Rapids, the city worked to build a 40-unit townhouse development. Since then, new businesses have sprung up and established businesses like the grocery store have expanded their products to cater to a more diverse population.

Pelican Rapids residents are concerned about rumors circulating outside of the community about safety issues because of the diversity. "It hurts us from an economic standpoint when it keeps people from moving to our community,” an attendee said. "It's hurtful when students say they've heard from other kids outside of the community untrue rumors that the schools have metal detectors or that people are getting shot at,” another person commented.

We need to be more vocal about the positive stories of our multi-cultural community, attendees brainstormed. We need to be more inviting and work to make our leadership more diverse in every way: ethnicity, gender, faith and age.

By the end of the breakfast, there were invitations for residents to join the local Economic Development Authority ("This is where things start to move forward in our community,” said Mayor Ben Woessner), help to market the school district, and to let city hall know if you or someone you know is interested in developing housing.

• Learn the distinction between capacity and potential;
• Gain insight about their current results;
• Develop a model for new awareness around goals and objectives;
• Get tools and resources for choosing their desired outcomes.
  

Register online by March 22 at www.wcif.org/events/100percentfactor, or call Tammy Froemming at 800 735-2239.

For specific program questions, contact Heather Craig or JoAnn Birkholz at foundation@medica.com or call 952-992-2060.

Directions will be sent with your confirmation email.

• The New Era Rural Technology Competitive Grants Program is for community colleges and advanced technical centers located in rural areas that are interested in aiding rural communities in technology development, applied research and training in renewable energy. Grants awarded range from $10,000 to $300,000. Applications are due April 14, 2010.
• The Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative helps organic producers become more effiicient. Grants may be awarded up to $3 million. Applications are due Feb. 16, 2010.
• The Office of Energy Security offers several incentives for individuals, businesses and nonprofits interested in making energy-saving modifications at home and at the workplace.

Here are some fast facts about the EITC. 

• Tax clinics in Douglas and Grant counties.
• Tax clinics in Moorhead.
• Tax clinics in Otter Tail and Wilkin counties.
• Tax clinic in Detroit Lakes.

• More information about tax credits and free tax preparation for qualified individuals in Minnesota.

What are the issues that are affecting our county’s growth and prosperity? Where do we stand in comparison to the rest of the state? Is there anything we can do to tackle the concerns that hold us back from becoming a thriving, progressive region?

These are questions you may have heard in your community—maybe you’ve asked them yourself. Now the answers to these and many other questions are just a click away at Minnesota Compass (www.mncompass.org).

This new Web site builds on the success of Twin Cities Compass, a similar project for the seven-county metro region. It provides unbiased, credible information, tracks trends and measures progress on issues that affect our quality of life, in such topics as economy, health, housing and a dozen others. Minnesota Compass points to additional resources and strategies for action. It includes information for cities, counties, regions, such as west central Minnesota, and the state as a whole. Check out your county data.

Minnesota Compass lays out the major trends of the state, including civic engagement, early childhood, education, housing, workforce development and more.

Led by Wilder Research, Minnesota Compass is funded by nine foundations: The Blandin Foundation, Bush Foundation, Initiative Foundation, The McKnight Foundation, Northland Foundation, Northwest Minnesota Foundation, Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation, Southwest Initiative Foundation and West Central Initiative. Funding for development of the database was provided by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota Foundation.

"A dashboard of indicators that is consistent for all regions of the state is something we’ve wanted for a long time," said Nancy Straw, president of West Central Initiative. "Minnesota Compass brings together the data, the research and ideas at work to help counties and communities make informed, far-reaching decisions for the future prosperity of their residents."

Are you looking for a way to spruce up your community, neighborhood or park? West Central Initiative (WCI) may have a solution, thanks to Valspar’s Minnesota Beautiful program. Through a continued collaborative effort with the Valspar Corporation, paint and coatings will be available in 2010 to communities and public organizations located in the west central Minnesota counties of Becker, Clay, Douglas, Grant, Otter Tail, Pope, Stevens, Traverse and Wilkin to complete a rehabilitation or restoration project.

Paint and other products, including stain and sealant, will be awarded for interior or exterior restoration or beautification projects that best meet the eligibility criteria. Selection will be based on the visual impact of the project, public benefit to the community, local volunteer participation and support, intended use of the building and benefit to the needy.

Projects that qualify include, but are not limited to, historic buildings, senior citizen or handicapped facilities, community centers, public buildings and murals. Projects that are ineligible for the Minnesota Beautiful program include denominational churches, schools, city maintenance or privately owned facilities. Projects outside of WCI’s nine-county service area do not qualify.

Applications are due March 5, 2010 and approved projects will be announced on or after March 29, 2010. The application may be downloaded at http://www.wcif.org/?Minnesota_Beautiful.

For more information on the Minnesota Beautiful program, please call Greg Wagner at 1-800-735-2239 or email him at greg@wcif.org.

2801 21st Avenue South, Suite 210, Minneapolis, MN 55407
Phone: 612.278.7180 Fax: 612.278.7181
www.nonprofitsassistancefund.org

Nonprofit staff: No matter your title, you are looking for ways you can make a stronger difference in your organization. 

The Minnesota Council of Nonprofit's Nonprofit Leadership Institute is created specifically for people who are dedicated to the mission and values of the nonprofit sector. The Institute will provide you the space to step back from the day to day to grapple with the leadership challenges that you face in your organization. You will expand your networks with other committed nonprofit leaders from across Minnesota and will build long lasting relationships that will strengthen your network and help you build power in the work that you do.

Free Nonprofit Leadership Institute Information Webinar
Wednesday, January 13, 2010, 1:00-2:00 p.m. CT
Register online now
Log in and select "RSVP for Free Events, Briefings and Convenings"

Applications for the 2010 Nonprofit Leadership Instituteare due February 12. There are special scholarship opportunities for nonprofit leaders from west central, southwest and northeast Minnesota.  Learn more and download an application at http://www.mncn.org/leadershipinstitute.

For more information, contact:

Bao Vang
Leadership Program Coordinator
Minnesota Council of Nonprofits
2314 University Ave W Ste 20
St. Paul, MN 55114
651-757-3087 (direct)
651-642-1517 (fax)
bao@mncn.org
www.mncn.org

• F-E-S spells "success" for area families
• Joining forces to help families with young children with disabilities
• Investments rebound!
• Start the New Year by reviewing your estate plans

See PDF of entire newsletter.

"I've got some good news and some bad news…." We've all heard this hundreds of times, and lately we've had our fair share of the "bad news" part. This last year was particularly difficult as workers lost jobs, local government aid to cities and counties was cut, endowments and profits shrank, and nonprofits were sent scurrying to find funds to make ends meet.

West Central Initiative hasn't been immune to the economic downturn, as you can see from our financial statement in our 2009 annual report. If there's a silver lining, it's that our careful investing has helped us lose less than the national average for foundations.

When West Central Initiative was formed, its board of directors decided to take a long view of helping west central Minnesota out of the farming crisis of the ‘80s. The board decided not to use funds as Band-Aids, but to figure out how to help the region prosper for perpetuity. That meant helping new and struggling businesses grow, creating good-paying jobs and working with area nonprofits to make sure families had the resources to not only survive but thrive. Fast forward 23 years. The current board has made it clear that West Central Initiative is staying the course: Place funds where they do the most good for the long run—like investing in new businesses and workforce development, make sure our young children have a strong safety net in which to grow, and help communities gather the resources they need to become vibrant, healthy places in which to live and work.

Being proactive at a time when all around us the nation is being reactive is not always a popular stance, but it's a sensible one. WCI's work is designed to leverage other resources and to bring about lasting change for the long term health of the region. That is a process you can not start, stop and then start again. It takes focused, consistent, prolonged effort.

West Central Initiative is working to keep its goals clear, its giving steady and its priorities straight. In the long run, that's good news for west central Minnesota.

What is GiveMN?

GiveMN.org is the smart way for you to discover, support and engage with the charities that are right for you. The online giving platform allows you to find and support organizations that match your philanthropic goals and easily keep track of your donations all in a single online location.

• Give local. Find your perfect Minnesotan match, such as West Central Initiative.
• Give fast. Make online donations quickly and easily via credit card to any U.S. nonprofit.
• Give smart. Record all online contributions and store receipts. 

As you consider your charitable end-of-year giving this season, please consider giving on Give to the Max Day (Nov. 17). Max your contribution by making an online donation on Nov. 17. Go to GiveMN.org and click on West Central Initiative or the Minnesota nonprofit of your choice.

West Central Initiative is partnering with the Minnesota Chapter of the American Planning Association (MnAPA) to make west central Minnesota planning commissions an outstanding offer this holiday season: a FREE one-year membership in MnAPA for all members of your city or county planning commission.

Planning commission memberships are usually $150 per commission. MnAPA is offering a reduced rate of $50 for those commissions that sign-up by the end of the year. WCI is working with MnAPA to pay the $50 membership fee for those commissions in our region that are interested in becoming members, resulting in membership at no cost to your city or county.

This is a one-time, limited time offer. With this offer, you can sign-up one (1) commission from your community – whether it’s your planning commission, zoning board, city council or county board. All members of your commission – as well as one city/county staff person – will receive full member benefits in MnAPA, including a copy of the monthly newsletter, access to members-only areas on the MnAPA web site, discounted registration fees at MnAPA events and access to the collective knowledge of hundreds of citizen and professional planners from across Minnesota.

This offer applies only to cities and counties located within WCI’s nine-county service area, consisting of Becker, Clay, Douglas, Grant, Otter Tail, Pope, Stevens, Traverse and Wilkin Counties.

To take advantage of this free membership, please fill out and submit this MnAPA membership form to MnAPA by December 31, 2009; address information is on the form. You can also email the requested information to mnapa@buffleheadweb.net.

Please contact Wayne Hurley at WCI with any questions, at 800-735-2239 or

It’s almost impossible to overstate the importance of manufacturing to Minnesota’s economic well-being. With nearly one in seven jobs tied to the industry, manufacturing is the backbone of our economy and a source of tremendous stability and prosperity in communities and regions throughout the state.

In 2008, manufacturing produced $33.6 billion in revenue, making up the single largest share (17 percent) of Minnesota’s gross domestic product, and accounting for 16.8 percent of all wages paid statewide. And those employed in manufacturing earn about 15.5 percent more money than the average worker employed in other private-sector occupations.

For additional information, please contact WCMCA at 1-800-492-4805

An extension to the Heartland Trail from Park Rapids to Moorhead could bring $1 million a year in economic impact to communities like Detroit Lakes, Frazee, Audubon, and Lake Park — through good old-fashioned pedal-power.

A similar trail has been worth $1-$5 million annually to a rural town of 1,800 elsewhere in Minnesota, he said.

Come learn more about MCN’s Nonprofit Leadership Institute at informational sessions that will be held around the state and via the Web. At this session, you will learn about the application process, time commitment, and curriculum; and the session will help you decide if this is the program for you. Hear from past and current participants about their experience in the Institute and how it has furthered their leadership journey. All informational sessions and webinars are FREE but you must RSVP.

There are three full scholarships available for nonprofit leaders from west central Minnesota** for tuition and you are also eligible for travel reimbursement. The application deadline for the 2010 Nonprofit Leadership is February 12, 2010. (Nonprofits must be located in: Becker, Clay, Douglas, Grant, Otter Tail, Pope, Stevens, Traverse and Wilkin)

For more information, please go to MCN’s website at: http://www.mncn.org/NonprofitLeadershipInstitute or please contact Bao Vang, leadership program coordinator at bao@mncn.org or at 651-757-3087