Notes from December 8, 2020

Jane Leonard, President of Minnesota Growth and Justice

Equity in Minnesota

On December 8th, 2020, Jane Leonard spoke about Equity in Minnesota and the organization Growth and Justice.  Jane Leonard is the President of Minnesota Growth and Justice, a 20 year old non-profit, non-partisan organization.  Jane introduced the Minnesota Equity Blueprint that was launched in February 2020 after 2 years of community engagement and research.  It includes over 170 pages of text, maps, charts, tables, and photos to illustrate more than 140 recommendations in Human Capital, Economic Development, Infrastructure, and Environmental Resilience.  They are community generated ideas and action examples that provide pragmatic immediate solutions and long-term aspirational goals in response to Minnesota’s most pressing challenges for the next decade and beyond.  The organization has undergone extensive research with community members and policy experts across Minnesota to broaden the understanding of the complex interrelated regional, racial, economic disparities, and systemic barriers to fair and shared prosperity.  The document and more information can be found here:  http://www.growthandjustice.org/facts.fixes.  While creating the document, Growth and Justice followed their motto: "Creating a Minnesota where equity is our north star and where we all belong."  Where "Equity is just and fair inclusion into a society in which all can participate, prosper, and reach their full potential."  The document includes the topics:  Demographic Diversity and Equity, Regional Diversity and Equity, and Climate Resilience: Environmental Diversity and Equity.
 

Announcements

  • Jane McGinty invited everyone to the Holiday Party on Tuesday, December 22nd 7:30-8:30 am.   The party will have a holiday playlist, family, coffee chat, and youth exchange zoom breakout rooms, and a visit from Santa!  There will also be some fun surprises!  Jane sent out a pdf invite to all members, and prior to the Holiday Party, we are asking all Rotarians to share the invitation with family and friends.

  • Before the Holiday Party, we are asking all Rotarians to please update their zoom app, so our Holiday Party will run as smoothly as possible!  If there are any questions on how to update, please contact our intern Jacob Plourde at jacobplourde@comcast.net.

  • Mark Weber spoke about the winter fundraiser Rotary Marks the Prairie on January 28th at 6pm.  The fundraiser will be featuring the Sisters of Swing.  The fundraiser will help us provide grants to non-profits in Eden Prairie and helping those in need.  Mark is asking for help selling tickets on eventbrite, a virtual platform.  Funds will go to local non profit organizations.  Ticket levels are $25 and $100 - this option will include a gift box filled with goodies to enhance your viewing experience.  https://bit.ly/2021RotaryRocksThePrairie.

Spotlight on Bill Gaddis

Member pictureBill Gaddis grew up in Brillion, Wisconsin and attended the University of Wisconsin Green Bay.  After graduating, he worked in the hospitality industry as a manager for 16 years.  Bill later went into the insurance industry as an insurance instructor for the company Reliable Reports.  Bill met his wife Kelly in 2014, and they have been married for 14 months.  Bill and lisa enjoy wine tasting and dining at restaurants.  Rotary has been a big part of Bill's life.  Bill was the past president of the Rotary Club of Greater Rochester in 2011-2012 and has served on the visioning committee for the district and also technology.  He is currently the technology chair for president elect training seminars.