West Central Initiative

Morris Screening of Plastic People: The Hidden Crisis of Microplastics
2025-09-08 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago)
Morris Screening of Plastic People: The Hidden Crisis of Microplastics

Join us and the Morris Model to explore the microplastic public health crisis present in our community and everyday life.
We’ll kick things off with a screening of Plastic People: The Hidden Crisis of Microplastics, a documentary that uncovers how tiny plastic particles have infiltrated our food, water, air, and our bodies, both globally and at a local level.

After the screening, stay for a thought-provoking discussion about what this means for public health, the land we live and work on, and our everyday choices. What steps can we take as individuals and communities to address this urgent issue? How can we push for solutions that go beyond recycling?
We’ll also be joined by Mary Kosuth, a special guest from the University of Minnesota School of Public Health!

Whether you’re passionate about community health, curious about the science behind microplastics, or simply looking to learn more, this event is for you. Let’s talk about what’s at stake—and how we can be part of the change.

This event is free & open to all, and movie snacks are provided.

The film will start at 6 p.m. with conversation to follow.
Click here to register to attend!

The Great Wealth Transfer
2025-09-09 16:00 - 18:00 (America/Chicago)
Discover what the Great Wealth Transfer means—for you, your clients, your practice, and your community.
Over the next 20 years, trillions of dollars will change hands as wealth is passed from one generation to the next. This moment—known as the Great Wealth Transfer—presents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to shape the future of our region.
We invite financial professionals and individuals to a valuable evening of learning, conversation, and connection. This event is designed to help you explore how thoughtful charitable giving can benefit families and the communities they care about.
You’ll hear from rural sociologist Ben Winchester on the scale of this transfer and the transformative opportunities it presents for communities like ours, explore how individuals and families can create lasting local impact through legacy planning and charitable giving, and gain real-world tools and insights from legal, accounting, and financial experts to support meaningful, tax-wise giving.
This session will help:

Financial professionals gain tools to lead legacy conversations and strengthen client relationships.

Individuals and families explore values-based giving that creates lasting local impact.

All attendees understand how to partner with community foundations for strategic, community-focused philanthropy.

Agenda
4 p.m. | Welcome & Introduction
4:15 – 4:45 p.m. | Ben Winchester, Research Fellow, University of Minnesota ExtensionTopic: Great Wealth Transfer & Charitable Impact Potential in Community
4:45 – 5:15 p.m. | Panel: From Our Experts – Turning Insight Into ActionHow to use this information to guide charitable giving that lifts communities.

Janel Fredericksen, Estate Attorney, Smith & Strege

Kyle Wesely, CPA, Managing Shareholder, Wesely & Wesely CPAs

Tim Stauffer, Regional Vice President of Retirement Strategies, Prudential

5:15 – 6 p.m. | Q&A and One-on-One ConversationsConnect directly with our panel of experts. Guests are encouraged to bring questions for tailored guidance.
Refreshments and appetizers provided.

Come as a team. Leave inspired.
Space is limited, so RSVP today for you and your clients, family members, or guests who are interested in the future of their wealth and their community.

Fergus Falls Energy Efficiency Boot Camp
2025-10-04 10:00 - 16:00 (America/Chicago)
Level up your energy game and spend the day with the Clean Energy Resource Teams (CERTs) learning about energy efficiency and clean energy — and have fun doing it.
We’ll work through and discuss content from the Clean Energy Resource Teams Community Energy Ambassador Program, work in teams to brainstorm ways to make your home or community more energy-efficient, and leave with actionable project ideas. Finish your project after the event and you’ll become a CERTified Community Energy Ambassador, complete with a certificate, lapel pin, and bragging rights.
This event is perfect if you’re curious about clean energy, looking for a unique resume booster, interested in careers in solar, HVAC, construction management, or other energy-related fields, or just want to meet new friends who care about making a difference.
Plus, if you complete a Community Energy Ambassador project after the Boot Camp, you’ll be entered to win a solar backpack charger. Light breakfast, lunch, and snacks are provided.
RSVP by Friday, October 3, to save your spot!
Agenda:
9:15 a.m. Coffee, pastries, and tour of the new solar installation at our office (optional)
10-12 p.m. Community engagement strategies, paying for energy projects, and home energy efficiency
12-12:30 p.m. Lunch
12:30-2:30 p.m. Heat pumps, solar, and Electric Vehicles (EVs) for greater Minnesota
2:30-3:30 p.m. Project brainstorming and planning
3:30 p.m. Closing and next steps

Run4Rural - Fergus Falls
2025-10-10 - 2025-10-11
Run4Rural is our 1 ½ day free public leadership training program designed for people interested in growing and strengthening their local communities through elected office and other forms of public leadership. This nonpartisan training will be useful for existing and emerging rural leaders and people active in their community whether or not they have decided to run for office.
Fergus Falls Training: October 10 & 11 at West Central Initiative
Training sessions will take place on Friday afternoon and all day on Saturday.
Register by Thursday, October 9 to save your spot!
Learn More about Run4Rural.

Rural Democracy Summit 2025: Toward a Positive Rural Vision
2025-10-31 09:00 - 13:00 (America/Chicago)
Join us on October 31 from 9 a.m.–1 p.m. for the Rural Democracy Summit 2025: Toward a Positive Rural Vision!
Spend the day in dynamic conversations and collaborations that strengthen democracy and build thriving rural communities. Community members, leaders, and changemakers from across west central Minnesota will gather to share insights, tackle challenges, and shape a future rooted in hope and cooperation.
This event includes a panel discussion, featuring:

Heidi Heitkamp, former United States Senator.
Tom Horner, former candidate for governor and former chief of staff for United States Senator David Durenberger.
Mark Ritchie, former Minnesota Secretary of State.
Kathy Cramer, author and professor.
Lori Sturdevant, as moderator, retired Star Tribune political columnist.

After the panel, take part in interactive breakout sessions led by sector leaders. Share your perspective, ask questions, and contribute to creating a positive rural vision for the region. Together, we’ll explore what’s possible when we focus on hope, cooperation, and collective action. Whether you lead, organize, or simply care deeply about the future of west central Minnesota, your voice matters.
Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, collaborate, and chart the path forward for our region.
Lunch is provided. This event is free and open to all, and spots are limited!

Pelican Rapids Going Local Workshop
2025-11-19 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago)
Through our Rural Democracy program, we are working to increase civic participation—an essential foundation for building an equitable and sustainable future. One key initiative of this program is Going Local, a free, two-hour rural democracy workshop designed for residents of west central Minnesota.
Join us on November 19 from 6-8 p.m. at the Pelican Rapids Public Library and come together to share food and stories, explore the unique challenges facing rural communities, and discover practical steps we can take together to create stronger, healthier communities. If you’re interested in getting more involved locally and want to learn how to begin, Going Local is a great place to start.
To learn more or register, contact Rural Democracy Network Coordinator Justin Moen at justin@wcif.org or call 218-998-1636.
Register by Monday, November 17, and be part of the change!

Screening of Plastic People: The Hidden Crisis of Microplastics
2026-01-19 17:30 - 20:00 (America/Chicago)
Screening of Plastic People: The Hidden Crisis of Microplastics
Join us and The Grant County Collaborative on January 19 at 5:30 p.m. at the West Central Area Secondary School in Barrett, Minnesota for an eye-opening conversation about the hidden crisis of microplastics.
We’ll kick things off with a screening of Plastic People: The Hidden Crisis of Microplastics, a documentary that uncovers how tiny plastic particles have infiltrated our environment—and our bodies. This compelling film explores the global impact of microplastic pollution, from the food we eat to the air we breathe.
After the screening, stay for a thought-provoking discussion about what this means for public health, local ecosystems, and our everyday choices. What steps can we take as individuals and communities to address this urgent issue? How can we push for solutions that go beyond recycling?
Whether you’re passionate about environmental justice, curious about the science behind microplastics, or simply looking to learn more, this event is for you. Let’s talk about what’s at stake—and how we can be part of the change.
This event is free and open to everyone, and a meal will be provided.
We’ll start with the meal at 5:30 p.m., then begin the film at 6 p.m., with a community discussion to follow.
Please RSVP to save your spot!

The Great Transfer of Wealth: Partnering with Local Philanthropy for Better Communities
2026-01-26 19:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago)
We’re hosting The Great Transfer of Wealth: Partnering with Local Philanthropy for Better Communities, a free class for anyone who cares deeply about their community!
Join us and Detroit Lakes Community Education on January 26 at 7 p.m. at Minnesota State Community and Technical College (M State) in Detroit Lakes. We’ll explore what the upcoming Great Transfer of Wealth means for our region, share our financial and estate planning tools, and discuss why communities across the country are coming together around generosity and legacy.

All attendees will receive an endorsed estate planning guide to help turn their values into lasting impact.

Visit http://dlschools.arux.app/…/creating-a-legacy-for-your… to register today!

Home Energy Workshop
2026-02-21 10:00 - 14:00 (America/Chicago)
Join us on Saturday, February 21 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for a fun and informative energy efficiency workshop in Ottertail, Minnesota.
During the workshop, we’ll explore content from the Clean Energy Resource Teams Community Energy Ambassador Program, collaborate in small groups to brainstorm ways to make homes and communities more energy-efficient, and share practical steps you can take to lower energy costs at home.
This event is ideal for anyone interested in energy efficiency and clean energy, curious about careers in solar, HVAC, or construction management, or eager to connect with others who want to make a difference.
If you complete the CERTs program by Earth Day, you will be entered to win a backpack solar charger, with a hardware store gift card also included to support your next project.
We’ll provide lunch and beverages for all registered attendees.
RSVP by Friday, February 20, to save your spot!

Battle Lake Screening of Plastic People: The Hidden Crisis of Microplastics
2026-02-26 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago)
Screening of Plastic People: The Hidden Crisis of Microplastics
Join us and the Battle Lake First Lutheran on February 26 at 6 p.m. at the Battle Lake High School Auditorium for an eye-opening conversation about the hidden crisis of microplastics.
We’ll kick things off with a screening of Plastic People: The Hidden Crisis of Microplastics, a documentary that uncovers how tiny plastic particles have infiltrated our environment—and our bodies. This compelling film explores the global impact of microplastic pollution, from the food we eat to the air we breathe.
After the screening, stay for a thought-provoking discussion about what this means for public health, local ecosystems, and our everyday choices. What steps can we take as individuals and communities to address this urgent issue? How can we push for solutions that go beyond recycling?
Whether you’re passionate about environmental justice, curious about the science behind microplastics, or simply looking to learn more, this event is for you. Let’s talk about what’s at stake—and how we can be part of the change.
This event is free and open to everyone, and movie snacks are provided.
We’ll begin the film at 6 p.m. with a community discussion to follow.
Please RSVP by February 24 to save your spot!

Lakes and Prairies Solar 101 - Morris
2026-03-24 18:30 - 19:30 (America/Chicago) | West Central Research and Outreach Center, 46352 MN-329, Morris, 56267, United States
Learn about solar energy and its benefits for your home, or small business. Solar United Neighbors will take you through the technology, economics, financing, and more.
This presentation from the experts at Solar United Neighbors will answer all your questions about going solar. You’ll learn about the solar program, solar technology, and financial considerations.
Register to attend the Morris Solar 101.

Home Energy Workshop
2026-04-11 10:00 - 14:00 (America/Chicago) | Ottertail Community Center, 93 Lake Avenue, Ottertail, MN, 56571, United States
Join us on Saturday, April 11, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for a fun and informative energy efficiency workshop in Ottertail, Minnesota!
During the workshop, we’ll explore content from the Clean Energy Resource Teams Community Energy Ambassador Program, collaborate in small groups to brainstorm ways to make homes and communities more energy-efficient, and share practical steps you can take to lower energy costs at home.
This event is ideal for anyone interested in energy efficiency and clean energy, curious about careers in solar, HVAC, or construction management, or eager to connect with others who want to make a difference.
If you finish the program and complete an additional community engagement task by the end of April, you’ll be entered to win a backpack solar charger!
We’ll provide lunch and beverages for all registered attendees.
RSVP by Friday, April 10, to save your spot!

Solar Celebration with Solar United Neighbors
2026-04-22 17:00 - 19:00 (America/Chicago) | West Central Initaitive, 1000 Western Avenue, Fergus Falls, MN, 56538, United States
Solar Celebration with Solar United Neighbors
Join us and Solar United Neighbors for a free evening of solar inspiration as we reflect on the success of the Lakes and Prairies Solar Co-op, celebrate Earth Day, and explore what’s ahead with the 2026 co-op. Enjoy a meal, listen to stories from community members who went solar, pick up tips for powering your own home, and mingle with neighbors who drive our region’s clean-energy future.
You’ll get an insider tour of our brand-new solar installation, led by a local solar installer who will explain how solar strengthens individual and community resilience while answering all your solar-related questions.
Food will be ready at 5 p.m., and the program and tour will begin at 5:30 p.m.
Whether you’re a current Lakes and Prairies Solar Co-op member, a community leader exploring clean energy initiatives, or interested in learning how to power your home and community with solar by joining the 2026 co-op, we’d love to see you there.
RSVP by April 20 to reserve your spot!

Pizza & Possibilities: Shaping the Future of Battle Lake
2026-05-06 17:00 - 19:00 (America/Detroit) | ABC Brewing Co., 114 Memory Lane, Battle Lake, MN, 56515, United States
Join us and the Battle Lake Innovate Team on Wednesday, May 6 from 5 – 7 p.m. at ABC Brewing Co. in Battle Lake for Pizza & Possibilities: Shaping the Future of Battle Lake!
Participate in a community conversation in collaboration with our Going Local program, enjoy free pizza, and share your ideas about the future of Battle Lake. There will also be free art projects for kids!
No registration is required. We look forward to seeing you there!

Run4Rural - Alexandria
2026-05-12 08:00 - 16:00 (America/Chicago) | Alexandria Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce, 203 Broadway St, Alexandria, MN, 56308, United States
Run4Rural is our free public leadership training program designed for people interested in growing and strengthening their local communities through elected office and other forms of public leadership. This nonpartisan training will be useful for existing and emerging rural leaders and people active in their community whether or not they have decided to run for office.
Lunch is included.
Alexandria Training: May 12 at the Alexandria Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce.
Register by Monday, May 11 at 4 p.m. to save your spot!
Learn More about Run4Rural.

Lakes and Prairies Solar 101 - Moorhead
2026-05-12 19:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | Moorhead Public Library, 450 Center Ave, Moorhead, 56560, United States
Learn about solar energy and its benefits for your home, or small business. Solar United Neighbors will take you through the technology, economics, financing, and more.
This presentation from the experts at Solar United Neighbors will answer all your questions about going solar. You’ll learn about the solar program, solar technology, and financial considerations.
Register to attend the Moorhead Solar 101.

Run4Rural - Moorhead
2026-05-13 09:00 - 17:00 (America/Chicago) | Moorhead Public Library, 450 Center Ave, Moorhead, 56560, United States
Run4Rural is our free public leadership training program designed for people interested in growing and strengthening their local communities through elected office and other forms of public leadership. This nonpartisan training will be useful for existing and emerging rural leaders and people active in their community whether or not they have decided to run for office.
Lunch is included.
Moorhead Training: May 13 at the Moorhead Public Library.
Register by Monday, May 11 at 4 p.m. to save your spot!
Learn More about Run4Rural.
