Internationally, Welcoming Week takes place September 8-17 this year. Communities in southwest Minnesota are hosting activities throughout the month of September to lift up and celebrate welcoming, inclusive communities.
Vibrant Communities
Teresa Peterson retires from our board
Teresa Peterson, Utuhu Cistinna Win, is retiring from the Southwest Initiative Foundation Board of Directors following more than six years of service. Peterson has provided regional leadership on SWIF’s board since April 2017. In honor of her service, Peterson is directing a $650 grant from SWIF to Dakota Wicohan, a Native-led nonprofit based in Morton, Minn.
2023 Welcoming Week
Welcoming Week is an annual celebration that brings together neighbors of all backgrounds to build strong connections and affirm the importance of welcoming and inclusive places in achieving collective prosperity. Communities in our region are invited to host activities throughout the month of September to lift up and celebrate welcoming, inclusive communities.
Growing Local: Boards and Commissions Workshops
Growing Local: Boards and Commissions is an opportunity to build more inclusive boards and committees that make a difference in your community. We’re partnering with University of Minnesota Extension Educators to host this free virtual workshop series.
Southwest Initiative Foundation Summer Socials
We’re excited to be hosting five social events across the region this summer, and we hope to see you at one of them! Each event is free, open-house style, family-friendly, and includes light refreshments. Branch out to meet new people and invite your friends to learn about Southwest Initiative Foundation, as well as our local work and partnerships.
Teamed Up for Community Impact
We’ve been helping southwest Minnesota communities find what it means to thrive on their own terms for over 37 years. Responding to the increasing needs and requests from communities working to be places where all people feel welcome and like they belong, our community impact team focuses on rural equity, youth and family, and civic and community engagement.
