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Key DEI Community Events/News

 

Following are Key Community Events that Have Important Information (most of them contain presentation slides, video recordings) related to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

 

 

Start Date Title Description Tags
Feb 03, 2026 10:00 AM Feb 2026 RPS Family Engagement Our focus for February is Supporting Parent, Caregiver, Family, and Staff Wellbeing: an Experiential Workshop, presented by Haeli Gerardy. Haeli is the Family Engagement Specialist and Certified Parenting Coach at Fernbrook, which is a partner with RPS School-Linked Mental Health. ('RPS', 'education', 'diversity', 'key', 'Education')
Jan 27, 2026 09:30 AM Jan 2026 Mayor's International Relations Committee Meeting Coordinate the Sister Cities Program; support international affairs in the city; provide a welcoming and supportive climate for international residents ('Diversity', 'global', 'governance', 'culture', 'key', 'education')
Jan 14, 2026 12:00 PM Equity Alliance Equity Series Rochester Cultural Center The Rochester Cultural Center is a premier adult daycare facility dedicated to serving the diverse needs of our community. Our mission is to provide a safe and stimulating social environment that fosters a sense of belonging and prolongs the lives of our clients. By offering a wide range of activities and programs, we aim to promote physical, emotional, and cognitive well-being among our participants. ('city', 'rps', 'dmc', 'diversity', 'key', 'community engagement', 'Education')
Jan 14, 2026 10:00 AM Rochester Area Housing Alliance Jan 2026 Topics include: 2025 End of Year Real Estate Stats Review; Olmsted County and Rochester Highlights; Coalition 2025 Investments & Impact ('RAF', 'Housing', 'housing', 'key')
Jan 13, 2026 10:00 AM Jan 2026 RPS Family Engagement RPS 5Essentials Survey; Helping Students Thrive: Supporting Positive Behavior Together ('RPS', 'education', 'diversity', 'key', 'Education')
Jan 08, 2026 07:15 AM 2026 Mayor's State of the City Mayor Norton, joined by City, Olmsted County and Rochester Public Schools leaders, will reflect on the past year and share priorities and initiatives for 2026. The event will also feature the City’s annual Year in Review video highlighting key accomplishments and milestones from 2025. ('city state', 'city', 'key')
Dec 16, 2025 09:30 AM Dec 2025 Mayor's International Relations Committee Meeting Coordinate the Sister Cities Program; support international affairs in the city; provide a welcoming and supportive climate for international residents ('Diversity', 'global', 'governance', 'culture', 'key', 'education')
Dec 11, 2025 07:30 AM 4Q 2025 County Health Assessment and Planning Partnership (HAPP) 1. Welcome 2. Youth LGBTQIA2S+ Coalition Talor Gray and Katie Hackman, OCPHS 3. CHAP Newsletter Discussion All 4. Core Agency Updates CHAP Core Group 5. Community Announcements and Sharing ('CHNA', 'Diversity', 'LGBTQ+', 'Health', 'key')
Dec 10, 2025 12:00 PM Equity Alliance Equity Series Looking Back, Moving Forward: Equity Series Reflections In this year-end Equity Series episode, organizations share the key insights that shaped their equity work over the past year. ('city', 'rps', 'dmc', 'diversity', 'key', 'community engagement', 'Education')
Dec 10, 2025 10:00 AM Rochester Housing Alliance December 2025 Cumulative Impacts & Housing Rulemaking Process: Upcoming Opportunity for Community Input Minnesota Pollution Control Agency ('RAF', 'housing', 'governance', 'openbeam', 'key')
Dec 07, 2025 03:00 PM WE ARE HOME Solidarity Potluck Sunday: WE ARE HOME Solidarity Potluck On Sunday, come together from 3-4pm at 125 LIVE for WE ARE HOME, an event of solidarity, storytelling, and shared food. Hear from Rochester Somali community speakers, celebrate Somali culture and contributions, and join us in affirming that Minnesota is all of our home. Bring a dish and your voice as we gather in unity and pride. ('Culture', 'ISAIAH', 'Diversity', 'key')
Dec 04, 2025 05:30 PM Forum and Discussion on ‘Democracy Innovations for Better Public Meetings’ (Date changed to Dec 4) The event will provide residents the opportunity to learn more about the Democracy Innovations for Better Public Meetings project and provide feedback. This project is designed to make public meetings more engaging while strengthening connections between community members and local government. ('key', 'governance')
Nov 18, 2025 09:30 AM Nov 2025 Mayor's International Relations Committee Meeting Coordinate the Sister Cities Program; support international affairs in the city; provide a welcoming and supportive climate for international residents ('Diversity', 'global', 'governance', 'culture', 'key', 'education')
Nov 12, 2025 12:00 PM Meeting the Moment: Community Led Systems Change This session centers on translating community priorities into actionable systems change by activating state decision makers, partners, and advocates. ('city', 'rps', 'dmc', 'diversity', 'key', 'community engagement', 'Education')
Nov 12, 2025 10:00 AM Rochester Housing Alliance November 2025 Feature Presentation — Navigating Housing Development Challenges: Restoration Glen Speakers from Bear Creek Development & Three Rivers Community Action ✅ Spotlight — Inventory of Affordable & Accessible Rental Housing Presented by The Arc Minnesota Southeast Region ('RAF', 'housing', 'governance', 'openbeam', 'key')
Nov 11, 2025 09:30 AM Nov 2025 RPS Family Engagement Spotlight on Host Site: Overland Elementary Introductions and Welcome (10:00–10:10) • Highlight Topic: RPS Language Access, Interpretation Services, and Culturally Sustaining Family Engagement ('RPS', 'Education', 'diversity', 'key')
Oct 28, 2025 09:30 AM Oct 2025 Mayor's International Relations Committee Meeting Coordinate the Sister Cities Program; support international affairs in the city; provide a welcoming and supportive climate for international residents ('Diversity', 'global', 'governance', 'culture', 'key', 'education')
Oct 08, 2025 12:00 PM From Cradle to Career: Driving Lasting Change for Rochester's Youth Cradle 2 Career is a community-wide initiative focused on improving educational outcomes for every child and young adult in Rochester by reimagining how organizations work together. Through data-driven strategies and cross-sector partnerships, we bring together schools, nonprofits, businesses, and families to work collectively toward measurable results. In this talk, I’ll share how our initiative functions, highlight the dedicated work groups driving our progress, and explore the impact of our collaborative approach. ('city', 'rps', 'dmc', 'diversity', 'key', 'community engagement', 'Education')
Oct 08, 2025 10:00 AM Rochester Housing Alliance October 2025 Cumulative Impacts & Housing Rulemaking Process: Upcoming Opportunity for Community Input ; Presentation on City of Rochester Audit of Vacant Land ('RAF', 'housing', 'governance', 'openbeam', 'key')
Oct 07, 2025 10:00 AM Oct 2025 RPS Family Engagement Preparing Each and Every RPS Student for Success: Essential Information for Families, led by Heather Hogen (RPS Director of Academic Supports) and Alex Higano (Lead School Counselor). ('RPS', 'Education', 'diversity', 'key')
Sep 23, 2025 10:30 AM German Delegation Visits Rochester The City of Rochester and Olmsted County will host a delegation from Germany, led by the Minister for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Transport of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia, Oliver Krischer, on Tuesday, ('culture', 'global', 'key', 'governance')
Sep 23, 2025 09:30 AM Sep 2025 Mayor's International Relations Committee Meeting Coordinate the Sister Cities Program; support international affairs in the city; provide a welcoming and supportive climate for international residents ('Diversity', 'global', 'governance', 'culture', 'key', 'education')
Sep 20, 2025 12:00 PM Latino Fest 2025 This vibrant celebration will take place both inside the Historic Chateau Theater and outdoors at the Peace Plaza, promising an unforgettable experience for all! Last year, Latino Fest brought over 3,000 people together in celebration. Please join us again in 2025 ('ACHLA', 'culture', 'Diversity', 'key')
Sep 18, 2025 04:00 PM 2025 Destination Medical Center Annual Meeting The 2025 DMC Annual Meeting: A Development Plan Update and Community Conversation marks a milestone moment, the 10-year midpoint of the Destination Medical Center initiative. Earlier this year, we launched the process of updating the DMC Development Plan with a deep dive into understanding the progress we’ve made together. Now, our sights are set firmly on the future. ('DMC', 'key')
Sep 11, 2025 07:30 AM 3Q 2025 County Health Assessment and Planning Partnership (HAPP) 2025 Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) Update, New Priorities Preview, and Discussion ('CHNA', 'transportation', 'food', 'mental health', 'STEM', 'Health', 'key')
Sep 10, 2025 12:00 PM America's City for Health - DMC Development Plan 2025 Update The update intends to build on all the great work already underway in Rochester, the learnings we have made to-date, and an understanding of changes impacting our community. Most importantly, it will lean into what is unique about Rochester, home to the #1 hospital in the world, centering on our brand as America’s City for Health. ('city', 'rps', 'dmc', 'community engagement', 'ACH', 'key', 'diversity', 'Education')
Sep 10, 2025 10:00 AM Rochester Housing Alliance September, 2025 This month’s agenda: Welcome, introductions & updates — JoMarie Morris DMC 10-Year Progress Update — Catherine Malmberg (Destination Medical Center) Trailside Senior Apartments: Redevelopment Timeline — Mark Engel (Olmsted County) ('RAF', 'housing', 'governance', 'openbeam', 'key')
Sep 09, 2025 10:00 AM RPS Family Engagement Back to School Welcome new partners and fresh energy: • Share updates on current initiatives • Learn from your ideas and perspectives ('RPS', 'Education', 'diversity', 'key')
Aug 26, 2025 09:30 AM Aug 2025 Mayor's International Relations Committee Meeting Coordinate the Sister Cities Program; support international affairs in the city; provide a welcoming and supportive climate for international residents ('Diversity', 'global', 'governance', 'culture', 'key', 'education')
Aug 21, 2025 06:30 PM C4G Library Discussion Forum All are welcome. Please join us. Share this with those in the community for this important discussion. This is an opportunity for input on Library plans and added considerations for our public library system. Discussion Moderator: Jim Miner; Special Guest Library Representative: Library Director Karen Lemke ('c4g', 'rpl', 'key')
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Diversity Inclusion News

This panel displays the latest community education news. Click this LINK to search more. 



Braver Angels News

  • 2026 - Oct events: Sep 2026 Newsletter; Aug 2026 Newsletter, Mar 6 Volunteer Opportunities, Feb Citizens Commission on Immigration Outreach
  • 2025, 24 - Mar 2025 Newsletters: End birthright citizenship? Apr 2024 Braver Angels Newsletter: 2024 National Convention; National Debate: Should we be colorblind?

 

Last Updated September 16, 2026



RPS Family Engagement Opportunities

Sep 2026: Care Giver & Parent Empowerment (CAPE); Supporting Youth: Mental Health  

Apr 2026 Family Engagement Policy Meetings

Jan 2026 Announcements: Family Engagement, Caregiver and Parent Empowerment 

Last Updated September 11, 2026



Director of Equity & Organizational Development Introduction

 Sep 2026: Introducing Crystal Fairchild, Director of Equity & Organizational Development

 

Last Updated September 06, 2026



Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Barriers Study

Aug 10, City Council Study Session: Equitable Economic Development

Apr 2025 City Council Study Session:  (1) DBE Study Session to City Council April 17, 2023 , (2) Memo to DMCC Board; 

Last Updated August 13, 2026



2026 City of Rochester: 2020 Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Updates

Aug 10, 2026 City Council Study Session :The accompanying reports and presentation demonstrate how departments are integrating equity into their everyday work.   

Last Updated August 09, 2026



Community Health Improvement Plan Priorities and Updates

2027 - 2029 Health Planning Improvement Priorities

2026 CHNA Newsletters: Jul 2026, Jan 2026, 

2025 Newsletters: Admin Message, Oct 2025 Newsletter 

Ref: PB Report

Last Updated July 23, 2026



America's City for Health (ACH)

Jul 2026 PB Op Ed on America's City for Health and Wellness 

May 2026: DMC University Trademark Handling -The DMCC holds several DMC-related trademarks, including “Destination Medical Center,” “Discovery Square,” and “America’s City for Health.” 

References: Reimagine what can be done to fulfill the vision of ACH -- info LINKS

Last Updated July 09, 2026



Co-design Information

Jun 20, 2026 Co-Design as Civic Infrastructure Video Recording and Presentation

Co-Design as Structural Accountability White Paper

 

Last Updated July 02, 2026



Rochester International Relations Committee

2026 News: Spring, Winter Newsletters; Apr 2026 Siheung, Korean Newsletter;  Sister City Visits Germany Visit

2025 News: Sister City Trips: Japan; Rochester Sister City Application (Roles and Responsibilities)

General Info: Sister Cities Relationship Logs; IRC Meeting Logs

Last Updated June 22, 2026



RPS Proposed Budget Reductions

Jun 2, 2026: School Board 2026 budget

April 21, 2026: School Board Meeting Revised Proposed Leadership Changes 

April 7, 2026: Budget Reduction Impact

Sep 12, 2023 RPS Board Study Session video recording; Proposed Equity Policy; PB Reporting

Last Updated June 04, 2026



1Q 2026 Announcements

Jun 2, 2026: #RochMNTogether Yard Sign Campaign

Jan 5, 2026: Resolution: Reaffirming Rochester’s Support for its Somali Community and Commitment to Inclusion.

2026 Summer Paid Internship Positions: City Clerk, community Development, Communications & Engagement, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Legislative Affairs, Library Communications, Office of the Mayor, Parks & Recreation , Public Music, Rochester Public Utilities Safety, and Transit & Parking.

 

 

Last Updated June 02, 2026



United Way Studies of Financial Hardship

2025 ALICE Info: United Way 2025 Study

2024 ALICE Info: Post Bulletin Reporting; United Way 2024 ALICE  (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) Report 

Last Updated May 24, 2026



Discovery Walk

May 2026 DMCC Board Meeting Discovery Walk Update - Completion

March 2021 DMCC approval for Bid

Last Updated May 22, 2026



RPS 2030 Strategic Plan Reviews

May 19. 2026 RPS Board Voting

Apr 12, 2026 RPS Board Meeting: High School 

Mar 17, 2026 RPS Board Meeting: Middle School

Mar 3, 2026 RPS Board Meeting: Elementary School & Early Childhood 

Last Updated May 20, 2026



Age-Friendly Olmsted County (AFOC) Update

May 2026 AFOC 2023-2025 Action Plan  Report Report

Apr 2025 Aging in Place Action Update

Last Updated May 12, 2026



Ambassadors for Equity and Belonging Program

Rochester Area Foundation is piloting a new type of cohort centered around the concept of “belonging” as a strategic framework,

Last Updated April 29, 2026



Joyce Gibbs – A Life of Strength, Service, and Enduring Impact

Apr 22, 2026 Press Release

Rochester NAACP announces passing of Mrs. Joyce Gibbs

 

Last Updated April 22, 2026



America's City for Health - DMC Development Plan 2025 Update

September 2025 Equity Alliance Series Presentation- Video Recordings, Selected Presentation Screen Shots

References - Sep 2025 DMCC Board 10-Year Midpoint

Last Updated April 06, 2026



2024-2025 RPS Data Analysis

April 2026 Reporting: 2025 High School Graduation Rate 

Sep 2025 Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment (MCA) Improvement Action Plan 

2024-25 Fastbridge Data Analysis and Literacy Plan Update

PB reporting on MCA

Last Updated April 04, 2026



Community Health Assessment Data (A to C)

Olmsted County Data on:

Access to Care, Air Quality, Binge Drinking, Childhood Asthma, 

Community Inclusiveness, Community Mobility, Community Resiliency

Last Updated March 26, 2026