Hey, folks! Doing something a little different today. I’ll be on a regional radio station QFM talking about the importance of giving. After the broadcast we’ll share the podcast link here as well. Check it out if you’re in northern Minnesota on QFM, 12:30 PM! Here’s the link to their home page: http://www.yourqfm.com/

 … Read the rest

Yesterday I sat in a room full of champions, and I admit I was a little overwhelmed.

These weren’t the type of champions who get trophies and stand on podiums, although a few had done that many times.

These were the type of “community” champions who see a need that isn’t being addressed and do something about it.

The occasion was a statewide Mountain Bike Summit, held near one of this state’s developing “destination” trail systems.… Read the rest

My wife and I spent time in the car yesterday, traveling to the first of what will be at least a half dozen high school graduation parties. The trip was a great time to reflect on the opportunities today’s young people have for building their “woodpiles+” and why they absolutely should make it a priority for themselves.

One thing I’ve noticed over the last few years is that today’s youth have more opportunities than ever to be involved in their communities as volunteers.… Read the rest

Whether you’re a volunteer or are working for a living, it’s important to stay motivated and knowledgeable about the work you’re doing.

For many folks, attending a workshop or conference not only gets you out of the house or office, it can put you in touch with other people who are interested in the same things. Some of those folks will have some great experiences or knowledge to share.… Read the rest

So you’ve made your mind up to be a volunteer. You’ve selected a cause that is close to your heart, or at least is in front of you, and a charity that is involved in that cause.

After reaching out to them, their staff helped you figure out options for the perfect role – as an event volunteer, client helper, organizer, fundraiser, or board member.… Read the rest

Today we will wrap up our conversation with the organizers of Hockey Day Minnesota 2019, hosted in Bemidji on January 17-19. We’ll hear about the impact of HDM2019, both for the community and the people involved in putting it together! There’s also a lot of great advice for other communities looking to host this or other large events.

We’re appreciative of members of the Local Organizing Committee and Minnesota Wild for taking the time to sit down with us a short while after the event and give us their perspective on how a large event like this worked.… Read the rest

Today we will continue our conversation with the organizers of Hockey Day Minnesota 2019, hosted in Bemidji on January 17-19. Actually, as you’ll see, it’s a lot more than just three days of hockey!

We’re appreciative of members of the Local Organizing Committee and Minnesota Wild for taking the time to sit down with us a short while after the event and give us their perspective on how a large event like this worked.… Read the rest

Like any large community event, Hockey Day Minnesota 2019 wouldn’t have happened without a vision and a lot of work from a group of people who shared that vision. That includes local champions, media partners, sponsors, the hockey community, and more.

Today we are going to hear from some of the local people who helped make Hockey Day Minnesota 2019 – Bemidji happen!… Read the rest

The following is the first in a four-part series detailing the how and the why of a very successful community event. We hope you’ll enjoy and learn a little from the experience.

If you want to read more on how this event came to be, check out our Making It Happen! interview, our How It Works interview, or our The Payoff interview.… Read the rest