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SUMMARY:Community Conversations: Rise to the Challenge Book Signing
DESCRIPTION:Join us for an inspiring evening as Marlene M. Johnson\, Minnesota’s first woman lieutenant governor\, presents her powerful memoir\, Rise to the Challenge: A Memoir of Politics\, Leadership\, and Love. Marlene’s story is one of breaking political ground\, overcoming personal challenges\, and demonstrating unwavering leadership. This book signing event is a unique opportunity to meet a trailblazer who has shaped Minnesota’s history and continues to inspire future generations. Don’t miss this chance to engage with Marlene and hear firsthand about her journey of resilience and dedication to public service. \nLocal mayors Amy Johnson of Ashby and Shelly Carlson of Moorhead will join Marlene to discuss the challenges and opportunities for women in leadership in 2024. \n\n\n\nThis event is free\, and registration is requested. We’ll provide light refreshments. \n\n\n\nThis event is sponsored by the Fergus Falls Public Library and Victor Lundeen Company.
URL:https://wcif.org/event/rise-to-the-challenge-2/
LOCATION:MN
CATEGORIES:In Person Event
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://wcif.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Marlene-M-Johnson-Event.png
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20241003T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20241003T193000
DTSTAMP:20260417T120959
CREATED:20240904T163611Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240904T163611Z
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SUMMARY:Community Conversations: MPR’s Talking Sense – Depolarizing Ourselves
DESCRIPTION:Doors Open: 5:30 p.m. | Workshop: 6 p.m. | Fergus Brewing \nJoin Minnesota Public Radio and Braver Angels at Fergus Brewing for this free in-person session to become more aware of your “inner polarizer” and learn methods for disagreeing without contempt and ridicule. MPR will record these conversations as part of the Talking Sense series. \nDuring this 1.5 hour session\, participants will learn: \n\nHow to be more aware of their own “inner polarizer”\nHow to be critical without demonizing\, dismissing or stereotyping large swaths of the population\n\nTalking Sense is MPR News’ reporting project that explores the roots of polarization in communities\, families\, and homes\, and looks at how Minnesotans are navigating these divisive times. It’s also a series of live events and online tools that help Minnesotans have challenging political conversations without letting the need to change minds stand in the way of preserving important relationships. \nRegistrants will receive one complimentary drink and refreshments. We’ll begin serving refreshments at 5:30 p.m. \nSpace is limited and registration is required. \nRegister
URL:https://wcif.org/event/depolarizing-ourselves-2/
LOCATION:MN
CATEGORIES:In Person Event
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://wcif.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/TalkingSense-web-image-copy.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20241009T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20241009T153000
DTSTAMP:20260417T120959
CREATED:20240809T195314Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240809T195314Z
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SUMMARY:Solar PV Planning and Zoning Best Practices
DESCRIPTION:Join us for a virtual training session on best practices in planning and zoning for solar photovoltaic (PV) installations and development. A local government’s approach to zoning and development can significantly impact solar energy growth. The inclusion of solar energy planning and zoning best practices provides a foundation that can help facilitate solar energy growth while balancing other development priorities in a community. This free training will provide communities with strategies for incorporating solar into plans\, ordinances\, and development regulations. \nClick here to register for the Zoom meeting.
URL:https://wcif.org/event/solar-pv-2/
LOCATION:MN
CATEGORIES:Virtual Event
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://wcif.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Solarpanelcows1-scaled-1.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20241015T150000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20241015T160000
DTSTAMP:20260417T120959
CREATED:20240823T180603Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240823T180603Z
UID:10000156-1729004400-1729008000@wcif.org
SUMMARY:Immigration in Minnesota’s West Central Region: A Changing Story Virtual Event
DESCRIPTION:Minnesota’s rural areas and small towns are constantly evolving. Immigration has been a part of our communities’ stories for more than 100 years and will continue to shape our region for generations to come. Join us to learn more about this changing and dynamic history. Allison Liuzzi\, Project Director of MN Compass\, will share recent and historic trends in immigration in our communities. Who were our region’s immigrants in the 1800s\, 1900s\, and today? How do our immigrant communities look different from the state and the nation? How do immigrants contribute to our economy and workforce? Come prepared to learn something new and to bring your own experiences and reflections; this presentation will include time for questions\, answers\, and discussion. \nClick here to register for this free event.
URL:https://wcif.org/event/virtual-mn-compass-2/
LOCATION:MN
CATEGORIES:Virtual Event
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/gif:https://wcif.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/mncompass-logo-social.gif
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20241017T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20241017T153000
DTSTAMP:20260417T120959
CREATED:20240916T182718Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240916T182718Z
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SUMMARY:Climate Catalysts
DESCRIPTION:Join us on Zoom in October to learn about how food waste contributes to climate change and how the growth of Organics Recycling Programs in the region can help divert food waste from landfills. \nClimate Catalysts October Meeting Agenda:\n\nGroup introductions\nClimate data highlight – Food Waste and Climate Impacts\nPresentation on the growth of Organics Recycling Programs in the region with Pope/Douglas Solid Waste\, Otter Tail County\, Stevens County\, and Becker County Solid Waste Departments. Presenters will share outcomes from existing programs\, plans for upcoming programs or program growth\, and lessons learned that can help other communities get started.\nResource Sharing\nClimate-related project updates from attendees\nTime for discussion\n\nPresentation topics will vary by month\, if you have a project or program you would like featured\, let us know! Upcoming topics for Climate Catalyst meetings include the CERTs Energy Ambassador Program\, plastics and climate\, climate storytelling\, and more! \nClimate Catalysts is a networking group comprised of regional stakeholders\, community leaders\, and West Central Initiative staff that convenes monthly around climate action in west central Minnesota. The Climate Catalysts group: \n\nSupports cross-sectoral relationship building around climate action through regular conversations and idea sharing.\nCollaborates by coordinating efforts and tracking progress on climate-related initiatives across the region.\nAdvocates for and supports climate work in the region\, state\, and beyond.\nShares information from and with partners\, including training and educational opportunities\, funding/resources\, and events.\nEducates and supports the development of regional climate champions: spokespeople knowledgeable in specific sectors in the Climate Action Plan.\n\nClick here to register to attend.
URL:https://wcif.org/event/climate-catalysts-october-2/
LOCATION:MN
CATEGORIES:Virtual Event
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://wcif.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Screenshot-2024-04-10-at-2.45.58-PM.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20241023T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20241023T140000
DTSTAMP:20260417T120959
CREATED:20240906T134508Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240906T134508Z
UID:10000159-1729684800-1729692000@wcif.org
SUMMARY:Solar PV Permitting and Inspection Best Practices
DESCRIPTION:Join us and SolSmart for a virtual training session on best practices in permitting and inspection for solar PV installations. The permitting and inspection process is one of the most important tools local governments can use to encourage more rooftop solar installations. This free training will provide communities with strategies for streamlining permitting processes and improving solar inspections. \nSince 2016\, SolSmart has helped over 500 local governments prepare for solar energy market growth. With funding from the US Department of Energy\, SolSmart provides free technical assistance to help cities\, counties\, small towns\, and regional organizations achieve clean energy goals. SolSmart has established solar best practices across local processes such as permitting\, inspection\, planning\, government operations\, community engagement\, and market development. \nThis webinar will give you an overview of the program basics and new updates to keep you on top of the solar energy transition. This webinar will highlight mechanisms through which communities can streamline the permitting process for local solar development. \nThis free training will provide communities with strategies for incorporating solar into plans\, ordinances\, and development regulations. \nClick here to register for the Zoom meeting.
URL:https://wcif.org/event/solar-pv-permitting-and-inspection-best-practices-2/
LOCATION:MN
CATEGORIES:Virtual Event
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://wcif.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Solarpanelcows1-scaled-1.jpg
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