With a population of 162,000 that expands by approximately 300,000 annually through tourism, the Brainerd Lakes area is truly a beloved “up north” destination in Minnesota. Brainerd’s emerging Region 5 Children’s Museum (working title) envisions a more connected Minnesota and will actively bring together people from diverse backgrounds in shared experiences through the exploration of northern Minnesota’s rich art, culture, and heritage.
In summer 2020 Isuroon will be piloting a new program, designed by and for young Somali people. The focus is on creating a space for Somali youth to discuss the realities of being a first- or second-generation immigrant with the compounding factors of their racial, linguistic, ethnic and religious identities. This space will provide resources on how to both heal and lead in and through the arts and nature.
The YMCA Center for Youth Voice helps preserve Minnesota's strong civic cultural heritage by teaching civic knowledge (law, democracy, government), skills, and traditions to the next generation. This project brings in diverse new participants and content for two experiential civics learning programs Youth in Government (YIG) and Students Voting by increasing access for youth who identify as Black, Indigenous, or people of color (BIPOC), including those in Greater Minnesota and in rural areas. YIG allows students in grades 8-12 to prepare for and run a four-day model government.
