Accepting applications for Tri-College NEW Leadership Institute

Cross-posted from Minnesota Rising, originally posted at 7:00am on Thursday, February 27, 2014.

The Tri-College NEW Leadership Institute welcomes applications for their 2014 cohort of women leaders from across the Upper Midwest region. Learn more about this incredible 5-day intensive training institute and apply today for the opportunity of a lifetime. As they say: whether or not you view yourself as a leader now, if you desire to create positive change in your community, YOU should apply!

Tri-College University NEW Leadership Development Institute

NEW Leadership Development Institute:

...empowering a new generation of women leaders.

May 28 - June 1, 2014 - hosted at Minnesota State University Moorhead (MN)

• Intensive 5-day residential program

• Limited to 50 participants

• No costs for participation and possible scholarships for childcare and travel

• Applicants who are interested in politics, leadership, public service, or community service, and have a desire to develop their own leadership skills are encouraged to apply.

Whether or not you view yourself as a leader now, if you desire to create positive change in your community, YOU should apply!

Break the Bubble #9!

New in town or looking to make some more friends? Break the Bubble is here to help! Join them at their next gathering, themed "Love it or Hate it," to meet people looking to make new connections. See below for more details and to save your spot!

Break the Bubble #9: Friday, March 14th @ Honey

Registration for BtB #9 is now live! When? Friday, March 14 at 7pm Details? Check the registration page for more info. Want to shape the future of Break the Bubble? Help us out by taking this ultra-short survey! Thanks! The BtB team - Matt D, Nora, Jess, Jen, Christina, Mario and Matt J Share                                                               Tweet                                                               Forward to Friend

Copyright © 2014 Break the Bubble, All rights reserved.

Lightrail Trains are Running - Be Safe!

The lightrail trains are now operational on the Central Corridor or METRO Green Line, so keep an eye out and stay off the tracks. Read more below about the latest updates and how to stay safe as you make your way around town!

Expect trains anytime as operator training begins Feb. 24 So staying off tracks is more important than ever ST. PAUL, Minn. – Feb. 19, 2014 –Anytime becomes train time on the METRO Green Line (Central Corridor LRT) beginning Monday when more than 100 light rail operators start preparing for the line's June 14 opening. "Staying off tracks and practicing other safe habits around trains takes on a heightened importance. Safety is a shared responsibility, so please visit http://www.metrotransit.org/green-line-safety and review the safety messages," said Mike Conlon, Metro Transit's director of rail and bus safety. In addition, Metro Transit police would like to remind the public that violations of basic transit laws are misdemeanors with $180 fines. Weekday roundtrips for light rail trains will occur as often as 10 minutes apart between Lowertown St. Paul and the connection with the Blue Line. The training runs are for 61 newly hired and certified Green Line operators and 58 Blue Line operators and their instructors. The operators already know how to run the trains. The purpose of the trips is to familiarize them with the Green Line route, stations, standard operating procedures and other features. In addition to these operator training runs, trains movements will continue for test purposes. Test trains may operate anytime, any day of the week. In April, Metro Transit will switch to operating trains on the regular-service schedule from about 5 a.m. to 1 a.m. seven days a week to prepare for the June 14 opening. University of Minnesota The University of Minnesota's transit-pedestrian mall is an area where people need to have a heightened awareness of their surroundings. "As the light rail training runs begin, pedestrians and cyclists will need to watch for both buses and trains sharing the tracks on the East Bank. It becomes especially important for everyone to observe all pedestrian, bike and traffic laws," said Pamela Wheelock, Vice President for University Services. The mall has gathering spots flanking both ends of the East Bank Station on Washington Avenue. These gathering areas are basically sidewalks between the two tracks on which trains and buses will operate. Pedestrians in these areas will need to use designated crosswalks and walk-signal buttons. Cyclists will need to use bike boxes to ride across the tracks at intersections. No left turns will be allowed for cyclists or drivers crossing the tracks. See a video demonstration of how to safely use the Washington Avenue new bike boxes athttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8a5DSBlXqLE. What the public can expect Traffic should not be affected. Trains will operate with traffic, following traffic signals. If signals are unavailable or not functioning, trains will operate under guidance from Metro Transit controllers. Trains normally will not exceed 35 mph during training and after revenue service begins. Speeds will be lower in downtown St. Paul and through the University of Minnesota. Operators will not open train doors at stations or give rides to the public. Stay safe. Stay off tracks The Central Corridor LRT Project emphasizes four main safety points: Always stay off the tracks; Stay off station platforms until service begins in June 2014. After service begins, a paid fare will be required to be on platforms; Look both ways for oncoming trains during training and testing and after service begins; Cross only at intersections and legal mid-block crosswalks. How to learn more With the advent of train testing last summer, Metro Transit, Central Corridor LRT Project staff and the city of St. Paul collaborated on production of a safety video and public service announcements. Project staff began safety presentations to businesses, neighborhood groups school groups and others, and Metro Transit created safety posters for station kiosks, brochures and wrapped train exteriors in safety messages. See Metro Transit's safety webpage for tips for staying safe and how to request a presentation athttp://www.metrotransit.org/green-line-safety How to view the safety video, PSAs Here are the links to the Green Line Quiz Bowl safety video and three PSAs: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cH2iAQBVF0I Mid-block crossing PSA: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BYduwYwAaxQ Crossing tracks PSA: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqHgEXaXS2I Stations PSA: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G2vE6FnLnMs For more project facts, see: Metro Green Line Fact Sheet: http://metrocouncil.org/Transportation/Projects/Current-Projects/Central-Corridor/Publications-And-Resources/News/Green-Line-Fact-Sheet.aspx Updates to the June 14 celebration will be posted at: http://www.metrotransit.org/greenline About the project:   The Central Corridor Light Rail Transit Project (Green Line) will link downtown St. Paul and downtown Minneapolis along Washington and University avenues via the state Capitol and the University of Minnesota. Construction began in late summer 2010 on the planned 11-mile Central Corridor line, and service will begin on June 14, 2014. The line will connect with the METRO Blue Line at the Downtown East Station in Minneapolis and the Northstar commuter rail line at the Target Field Station. The Metropolitan Council is the grantee of federal funds. The regional government agency is charged with building the line in partnership with the Minnesota Department of Transportation. The Central Corridor Management Committee, which includes commissioners from Ramsey and Hennepin counties, the mayors of St. Paul and Minneapolis and the University of Minnesota, provides advice and oversight. Funding is provided by the Federal Transit Administration, Counties Transit Improvement Board, state of Minnesota, Ramsey and Hennepin counties' regional railroad authorities, city of St. Paul, Metropolitan Council and the Central Corridor Funders' Collaborative. The Central Corridor LRT Project Website is www.centralcorridor.org.

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Ramsey County Workforce Solutions hiring 3 "Everybody In" Fellows

Ramsey County Workforce Solutions is seeking to hire three Everybody In fellows. Everybody In (EI) is a regional collaboration of over 50 individuals representing community, business, education and government partners whose mission is to eliminate racial employment disparities in the Twin Cities. The fellows will be working with the one of three strategy teams of the Everybody In initiative. See below for more details and for additional information!

Leadership & Training 

Everybody In (EI), a regional collaboration of over 50 individuals representing community, business, education, and government partners whose mission is to eliminate racial employment disparities in the Twin Cities, is currently seeking 3 Fellows to help advance it's work. Fellowships are paid opportunities, 10-20 hours a week. If interested send a letter of interest and resume to Mark Brinda. Application deadline is February 25th. Click here for more information. 

Free Tax Preparation Resource: AccountAbility Minnesota

As we enter into the tax preparation season, consider AccountAbility Minnesota, which offers free tax assistance to low and moderate-income individuals. They offer marketing and outreach materials in English, Spanish, Hmong, and Somali. Learn more about them online and consider referring them as a resource to community members who might benefit from their services!

AccountAbility Minnesota...

believes that an individual’s access to quality tax assistance and financial refunds should not depend solely on one’s ability to pay for such services.

We work to move Minnesotans out of poverty by providing pathways to enhance income. We do so by:

• Providing free tax assistance each year to thousands of low-income working taxpayers, helping them to maximize the refunds.
• Partnering with financial institutions to expand access to financial services that encourage asset building.
• Providing technical assistance to organizations throughout Minnesota.

AscendNAAMBA Speed Networking & Keynote Speaker Marcia Ballinger

AscendNAAMBA Twin Cities invites you to an evening of learning and activity focused on intentional networking. Marcia Ballinger, author of The 20-Minute Networking Meeting, and Partner at KeyStone Search, a prominent executive search firm located in Minneapolis, will set the stage with tips and ideas for productive relationship-building. Then you'll get to try your hand at these tools through a speed-networking activity facilitated by event organizers. Register today to bridge theory and practice with food and fun!

ASCENDNAAMBA SPEED NETWORKING & KEYNOTE SPEAKER AUTHOR MARCIA BALLINGER                                                            Event to be held at the following time, date, and location: Wednesday, February 19, 2014 from 5:15 PM to 8:15 PM (CST) Mozza Mia 3910 W 50th St Minneapolis, MN 55424 View Map Attend Event                              Share this event:                                                            Join AscendNAAMBA Twin Cities for an evening focused on sharpening your networking skills. Marcia Ballinger, co- author of the book "The 20-Minute Networking Meeting", will be the keynote speaker to kick off the event and share some strategies on how to conduct effective networking meetings. Share this event on Facebook and Twitter We hope you can make it! Cheers, National Association of Asian MBAs Twin Cities (Minnesota) | NAAMBA Twin Cities

Former Minnesota State Senator Mee Moua in PPIA Newsletter

Former Minnesota State Senator, Mee Moua, is featured in the Public Policy and International Affairs (PPIA) program Winter 2014 newsletter. See below for highlights from her recent interview discussing her career and accomplishments on behalf of marginalized and vulnerable communities. 

Alumni Voice: Interview with Mee Moua

"I have always believed that it is better to lead from the heart rather than the head."   Mee Moua attended the Princeton Junior Summer Institute in 1991. Since then, she has had an impressive career in public service, including being the first Hmong American elected to the Minnesota Legislature and leading Asian Americans Advancing Justice | AAJC. In her interview with PPIA National Director Erin Mann, Ms. Moua reveals her advice for staying motivated and inspired even when goals seem out of reach and how she has chosen to lead throughout her career. Mee Moua is currently the president and executive director of Asian Americans Advancing Justice | AAJC, a leading, national, nonprofit organization that works to advance the human and civil rights of Asian Americans and build and promote a fair and equitable society for all. At Advancing Justice | AAJC, Moua leads efforts toadvocate for policies and programs that enable Asian American and other vulnerable communities to reach their full potential and address unfair and discriminatory structures and institutions that systematically deny Asian Americans and other vulnerable communities their civil and human rights. Previously, Moua served as vice president of strategic impact initiatives for the Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum, a national health justice organization. Before moving to Washington, D.C., Moua served as a three-term Minnesota State Senator and was the chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee. Follow her on Twitter @Mee_Moua. Read the full interview here.

Council on Asian Pacific Minnesotans 2014 Open House

Having recently had an amazing opportunity to publish a children's book through the Reading Together Project, I'm excited to spread the word about the Council on Asian Pacific Minnesotans (CAPM) 2014 Open House! Join CAPM staff, board members, and supporters to learn about their exciting work in the year ahead. Enjoy light refreshments and a fun opportunity to mix and mingle with those connected to this Minnesota state agency!

You are invited to the following event: Council on Asian Pacific Minnesotans 2014 Open House Event to be held at the following time, date, and location: Monday, February 24, 2014 from 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM (CST) CAPM Office 658 Cedar Steet, Suite 160 St. Paul, MN 55155 View Map Attend Event Share this event: Council on Asian Pacific Minnesotans invites you to join us at our 2014 Open House Come meet our staff and board of directors! Monday, February 24, 2014 2:30PM to 5:30PM 658 Cedar Street, Suite 160 St. Paul, MN 55155 We look forward to meeting you! (light refreshment provided) Share this event on Facebook and Twitter We hope you can make it! Cheers, Council on Asian Pacific Minnesotans

Mu Training Institute (MTI) Taiko scholarships

The newly launched Mu Training Institute is seeking applicants for their Taiko training institute. As Mu Performing Arts seeks to consciously focus on the development of their Asian American artists, they welcome interested applicants to consider auditioning for ten scholarships. See below for additional details!

Mu Daiko's Artistic Director, Iris Shiraishi, is seeking the next generation of talented artists to enrich the ranks of Mu Daiko - Mu Performing Arts' professional taiko ensemble.  The selected/successful auditionee will dive into the world of modern taiko performance in a series of intensive sessions led by Iris and senior Mu Daiko members.  Students will develop an understanding of the kata (form), the special aural/oral learning system, basic rhythms, and begin to learn parts of Mu Daiko's repertoire.  They will also learn about the Japanese roots of taiko and its diaspora in North America.

We are offering up to TEN SCHOLARSHIPS each valued at $2500!  

Eligibility:

• Must identify as Asian American
• Must be at least 18 years old
• Must attend all sessions
• Must be in moderate to good physical shape (and/or be willing to work towards this goal)
• You must schedule an audition
• Music, dance/movement or martial arts background is helpful but not required 

Audition Process

• Sign up in Feb for auditions in March by emailing Artistic Director Iris Shiraishi at iris@muperformingarts.org with "MTI Taiko" in the subject line. 

• A complimentary ticket to the Mu Daiko concert (March 7-9, 2014) at the Cowles Center will be offered to each auditionee!

Selected auditionees will attend a series of intensive sessions that will develop essential taiko skills centered around  kata (form), movement, music and performance in Mu Daiko's fully equipped Studio.  These new taiko artists will be performing as part of Mu Daiko's annual Student Recital on June 21-22, 2014 at the Sabes Jewish Community Center in Minneapolis.

• Twelve, twice weekly sessions @ 2 hours in May/June 2014 (most likely Wednsday evenings and Saturday afternoons). 

• We will try our best to arrange these sessions around your schedule

Consider this email your invitation to apply to the Institute and receive one of the ten available taiko scholarships.  If you are interested in signing up please email Iris Shiraishi with "MTI Taiko sign up" in the subject line.

Iris Shiraishi  is the Artistic Director of Mu Daiko. As a founding member, she started her training with Rick Shiomi, and has since had the good fortune to study under Kenny Endo, PJ & Roy Hirabayashi, Tosha Kiyonari, Kaoru Watanabe and members of Hanayui and Kodo. She'll be traveling to Japan this April to study Edo Bayashi with Kyosuke Suzuki.  Iris has served on the Advisory Committee of the North America Taiko Conference and is very excited to be a part of the transitional Board of the brand new nationally-based Taiko Community Alliance. She has degrees in music composition, arts administration and music therapy from the Universities of Hawaii, Iowa and Minnesota.