Conscious Discipline is a life-approach, social, and emotional development program teaching adults the ability to recognize and regulate their own emotions, with the hope to mirror their behaviors for the children in their classroom or care setting.
Going Local is our free two-hour rural democracy workshop. At the Going Local workshops, we’ll share food and stories, learn about some of the unique challenges rural communities face, and explore what we can do together to make our community stronger and healthier.
Run4Rural is our 1 ½ day public leadership training program designed for people interested in growing and strengthening their local communities through elected office and other forms of public leadership.
Join us for an inspiring conversation with renowned meteorologist and author Paul Douglas. Paul will share the solutions that give him hope in a changing climate and how his personal journey informs his work. An interactive Q&A will follow Paul’s presentation. Complimentary refreshments will accompany the presentation. Learn More & Register
Join the Clean Energy Resource Teams and West Central Initiative on May 23, 2024, in Fergus Falls to learn more about a new program to engage Minnesotans with clean energy information — Community Energy Ambassadors. Gather with your friends and neighbors to learn how you can access the knowledge and skills needed to help your […]
West Central Initiative, the University of Minnesota Morris, and the Morris Model have partnered to bring 17 Rooms to our region. The 17 Rooms process is about localized actions, insights, and community for the Sustainable Development Goals. How does it work? Participants gather into working groups (or “rooms”), one per SDG, to explore and advance […]
After decades of dedicated service advocating for children, women, and families, Nancy Jost is retiring! Let's celebrate the end of an era and the beginning of a retirement adventure. Join us at Thumper Pond Resort in Ottertail, Minnesota, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Remarks will begin at 11:30 a.m. Lunch will be served. This […]
Big Picture Agenda • 5 mins: Welcome and housekeeping • 10 mins: Presentation on draft revised licensing standards • 30 mins: Gallery walk and feedback • 60 mins: Come back as large group to discuss • 15 mins: Closing and next steps
Join us for a community-inspired, laugh-out-loud evening on August 8 at the University of Minnesota Morris. Presented by the Minnesota Humanities Center and Danger Boat Productions, Sketches of Minnesota will use laughter and comedy to celebrate what makes our community unique. The evening will promote dialogue, bridge divides, and help find ways to work constructively […]
Climate 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: Supports cross-sectoral relationship building around climate action through regular conversations and idea sharing. Collaborates by coordinating efforts and tracking progress on climate-related initiatives across […]
Welcoming Week is a national movement organized by Welcoming America that helps communities become more welcoming to newcomers, immigrants, and refugees. Welcoming Week celebrations bring together neighbors of all backgrounds to build strong communities and affirm the importance of welcoming and inclusive places in achieving collective prosperity. Click here to see a list of Welcoming […]
Join the Rural Voice and MPR's Kerri Miller as we head to Detroit Lakes for a lively conversation at Bucks Mill Brewing about conservation agriculture. Find out more at RuralVoice.org Click here to register.
Climate 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: Supports cross-sectoral relationship building around climate action through regular conversations and idea sharing. Collaborates by coordinating efforts and tracking progress on climate-related initiatives across […]
West Central Initiative and MnDOT District 4 will host a workshop to discuss this year’s Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) solicitation. The workshop will be held in person and online via Zoom. The workshop is scheduled for Wednesday, September 25, at 1:00 p.m. in person at West Central Initiative’s office, located at 1000 Western Ave in […]
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.
