Heartland Democracy will partner with Commonbond’s Skyline Tower’s Teen Program to engage a cohort of teenagers who are primarily Somali- and Ethiopian-American in the Empowering U program—discovering their own motivation to engage in civic affairs, along with the tools to do so.
This dynamic initiative aims to honor the rich cultural heritage of Minnesota, drawing inspiration from the African American-led labor struggles that have shaped the state and linking history to the stories of today's fight for economic empowerment. The project comprises two main components: 1) Legacy Gallery The creation of the physical and online Legacy Gallery (composed of videos, photography, oral history recordings, paintings, and other media) will enable us to artistically capture and share the legacy of African American labor struggles and the stories of success of TCR alumni.
The Media Education team we will share resources with the community so they can tell their own stories through youth and adult programs. These programs focus on photography, audio and visual storytelling, and advanced cinematography skills.
Low-levels of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contaminate water and soil in Minnesota. We propose to identify enzymes and microbes that break down PFAS, making them non-toxic.
Increasing energy conservation and efficiency in residences can play a significant role in Minnesota's goals for energy savings and carbon emissions reductions. The Center for Energy and Environment (CEE), a Minneapolis-based nonprofit organization, is using this appropriation to develop and implement innovative residential energy efficiency programs. Programs will be demonstrated in eight cities: Apple Valley, Austin, Duluth, Minneapolis, Owatonna, Park Rapids, Rochester, and St. Paul.
MNHS strives to attract high school interns from underrepresented communities to encourage engagement and diversify the institution. Legacy funds supported four high school-age gallery assistants in spring 2016. These students received professional on-the-job experience interacting with visitors in the History Center galleries and at public events. Students contributed more than 300 hours to MNHS. Fifty percent of these students were from communities of color.
The Summer Legacy program supported four gallery assistants, beginning in FY16 and continuing into FY17.
The Ramsey-Washington Metro Watershed District (RWMWD) is responsible for the protection and restoration of the water quality of 20 lakes and 5 creeks within its boundary. Permit and voluntary cost share programs serve to slowly redevelop the watershed to the benefit of these water bodies. However, additional projects are needed- not only to implement green infrastructure in areas that need extra restoration and protection, but also to foster new relationships between citizens and the RWMWD to rally together in a common goal to the benefit of their water resources.
