Sean Kershaw's Weblog
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November 12, 2009
New Opportunities in Rochester!
As you may have noticed, we've officially launched our first "affiliate" chapter in Rochester.
On Tuesday the 3rd of November 120 people showed up to hear Nate Garvis give a reprise of his "Naked Civics: Uncovering the Path to the Common Good" speech -- and formally announce the new affiliate. It was a fantastic crowd.
I think this is something great -- and the beginning of something even better for us.
* Our mission of "building civic imagination and capacity" demands that we look for new relationships, new ideas and opportunities for input, and new members. Rochester's role in Minnesota's economy and their history of innovation and civic involvement make them a natural place to expand our work. We're not down there because we think they need us. We're there because they will make our work better.
* This wouldn't have happened without the leadership of Sheila Kiscaden, and the initial leadership team that includes Cathy French, Sharon Tennis and Karel Weigel.
* We are still looking to expand the local Steering Team, which includes 16 people from a wide range of experiences and generations. (I'm especially pleased that young people were brought in up front.)
* The group will use our existing membership structure, but add local events that are based on the success of the previous "Coffee and Conversations" meetings. We hope to do two "Policy and a Pint" events in 2010 as well.
* Our current work on water policy, poverty and long term care will be better because of input from the Rochester region and leadership.
I urge anyone with questions or comments to please contact me at skershaw[at]citizensleague [dot] org.
Oh yes -- and I urge you to become a member as well!
Thanks!
- Sean
Posted by Sean Kershaw at November 12, 2009 4:00 AM