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Diversity, Inclusion & Welcoming Events

 

 

 

Start Date Title Description Tags
Dec 11, 2024 11:30 AM Pathways to a Vibrant, Just, and Equitable Rochester Destination Medical Center and the City of Rochester, in partnership with Griot Arts and Barbershop Talks, invite the community to the next installment of the Equity Alliance Equity Series. This in-person event, titled Pathways to a Vibrant, Just, and Equitable Rochester, will take place on Wednesday, December 11, at 11:30 a.m. at the Chateau Theatre. The program will feature a dynamic panel discussion moderated by Nicole Asong Nfonoyim-Hara. ('city', 'rps', 'dmc', 'diversity', 'key', 'community engagement')
Nov 23, 2024 01:30 PM Community Upstanding - Townhall One This week’s program effort is focused on Community Upstander Training and will feature Tom Thibodeau, Distinguished Professor of Servant Leadership from Viterbo University. Thibodeau is the founder of the Master of Arts in Servant Leadership, the first master’s degree of its kind in the nation, and a founding member of hospitality and fellowship resource. Thibodeau is a popular professor, talented public speaker, and an extremely active community member focused on ethical life, serving the common good, and addressing homelessness. ('diversity', 'community engagement', 'NAACP')
Nov 16, 2024 10:00 AM NAACP Rochester Branch Elections In accordance with the 2024 National NAACP Election Procedures, the election date was chosen during the Rochester Branch’s August 16 General Membership Meeting. Since then, and with guidance and oversight from the National NAACP, the Rochester Branch established the Branch Nominating Committee in September and the Election Supervisory Committee in October. ('NAACP', 'Diversity', 'governance')
Nov 13, 2024 12:00 PM Equity Alliance Equity Series - Power of Community Benefits Agreement In this episode, we look at best practices to both understand the power of community benefits agreements and how to begin strong campaigns to secure community benefits agreements if the policy is fitting to the needs of the community. ('DMC', 'Diversity', 'Entrepreneurship', 'key', 'latino')
Nov 08, 2024 08:00 AM FREC 2024 Annual Overcoming Racism Conference Morning keynote speakers: Rev. Jim Bear Jacobs and Rev. Pamela Ngunjiri Afternoon breakout workshops ('rps', 'community engagement', 'openbeam', 'key', 'Diversity')
Nov 02, 2024 05:00 PM Rochester Branch of the NAACP, 2024 Freedom Fund Banquet - Let Freedom Ring Featured Entertainment and Performers: • Patricia Lacy-Aiken Renowned vocalist Patricia Lacy-Aiken, who is a seasoned vocalist with Grammy Award-winning Sounds of Blackness, and who had a decade – long global tour with Luther Vandross as a backup singer. • LaSonya Natividad and Madison Parish Ensemble Rochester’s own LaSonya Natividad accompanied by the Madison Parish Ensemble will grace the stage, captivating audience with unique blend of jazz, blues, and a sprinkle of R&B, reflecting deep musical roots and diverse influences. • Heart & Soul Drum Academy The talented youth of the Heart & Soul Drum Academy will deliver an energetic performance of African Djembe drumming and dance, led by founder Baba Jesse Buckner. Their captivating performance showcases the beauty of culture and the power of the arts in empowering young people and community. ('diversity', 'NAACP', 'openbeam')
Nov 02, 2024 02:00 PM Journie: Selma Movie Screening and Discussions Join us for a film exploring the history of voting rights, followed by a panel discussion featuring representatives from the DFL and GOP. It's a great opportunity to learn and engage in important conversations about this vital topic. Don't miss it! Journie is a nonpartisan organization committed to educating our communities about historical facts, youth development through lived experience, political agendas, resources, and the advancement of marginalized groups. ('diversity', 'governance')
Nov 01, 2024 05:00 PM Journie: Selma Movie Screening and Discussions Join us for a film exploring the history of voting rights, followed by a panel discussion featuring representatives from the DFL and GOP. It's a great opportunity to learn and engage in important conversations about this vital topic. Don't miss it! Journie is a nonpartisan organization committed to educating our communities about historical facts, youth development through lived experience, political agendas, resources, and the advancement of marginalized groups. ('diversity', 'governance')
Oct 30, 2024 05:30 PM Financial Liberation Workshop Financial Literacy, Credit Counseling, Leadership, Coaching, Personal Finance ('NAACP', 'education', 'Diversity', 'Entrepreneurship')
Oct 29, 2024 02:00 PM Free Speech vs. Hate Speech: Understanding the Boundaries and Building Resilient Communities Cohosts: Winona State, RCTC: This timely event will feature two key sessions aimed at exploring the balance between free speech and hate speech, as well as the impacts of hate on marginalized communities. We will be moderating the discussions. ('diversity', 'civic engagement')
Oct 26, 2024 01:00 PM Juneteenth Reckoning with Slavery MN African American History ('diversity',)
Oct 18, 2024 04:00 PM Asian Pacific Minnesotans Leadership Awards Dinner We the People: 40 Years of empowering Asian Pacific Minnesotans ('diversity', 'Asian')
Oct 14, 2024 12:00 PM Indigenous Peoples Day ('diversity',)
Oct 09, 2024 12:00 PM Equity Alliance Equity Series Equity Eats: Reviving Roots, Restoring Ecosystem Economies Through Indigenous Foodways In this episode we will delve into the transformative mission of the mnfoodrescue.org Equity Eats initiatives that are at the forefront of restoring and promoting regenerative food systems across Minnesota. We explore how the initiatives revive Indigenous foodways, grounded in food web design, while also honoring the rich Indigenous history in Minnesota and the First Nations' right to food sovereignty. By ('DMC', 'Diversity', 'latino', 'Entrepreneurship')
Oct 07, 2024 04:00 PM SBDC: Hispanic Heritage Month Community Celebration The celebration will consist of: The first networking event for Spanish speaking small business owners Resource tables/Spanish speaking representatives from organizations in town that provide resources for Spanish speaking small business owners An introduction to the organizations that made the event possible An introduction to the instructors and their affiliations (SBDC, ACHLA Alliance of Chicanos, Hispanics and Latin Americans) and the SBA) Certificates awarded to the small business owners who participated in our workshops ('diversity', 'community engagement', 'Entrepreneurship')
Oct 04, 2024 07:00 PM ICAM: Garba & DANDIA Night For the First Time in Rochester - ICAM presents Eight Person Music Band from Gujarat to get you dancing the night away at the Garba and Dandiya Dance Festival of India! Garba is a dance that honors, worships, and celebrates the feminine form of divinity. ('Culture', 'Diversity', 'community')
Oct 04, 2024 05:30 PM 2024 IMAA Presents Pearl Gala Celebrate IMAA’s 40th anniversary and support our mission. Become a Partner in Empowering, Advancing & Redefining Lives by joining us at our annual fundraising event. Be a part of the inspiring journey, where together, we create a future of empowerment, beauty, and value for all. ('diversity', 'imaa', 'community', 'immigrant', 'CMRC')
Sep 28, 2024 05:00 PM C.E.R.T. 3rd Annual Gala Please join us in celebrating dedicated Community members that have rendered outstanding services and support to our Community. ('public safety', 'Diversity', 'cmrc', 'civic engagement')
Sep 26, 2024 05:00 PM The Power of Your Story A Mental Health Workshop for Youth ('mental health', 'diversity', 'youth', 'openbeam', 'united way')
Sep 21, 2024 03:00 PM NAACP: Break The Hate – Community Forum To Activate Change To further this effort, we are launching a community empowerment initiative symbolizing the triumph of love over hatred and racism, with more details to be shared in the coming weeks. ('diversity', 'NAACP')
Document Actions

Two types of event information being shared in the following:

1. A list of Beam aware upcoming community events of all types. 

2. A list of noteworthy past events that have one or more of the following contents: presentation slides, video recordings as well as takeaways. 

Upcoming Events
RAVA 2026 Annual Spring Volunteer Fair Apr 15, 2026 09:30 AM - 12:30 PM
What's The Difference? Condos, Townhomes, and Cooperatives Apr 18, 2026 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM — 125 LIVE – 125 ELTON HILLS DRIVE NW
Stories from Minnesota: We Belong Apr 19, 2026 05:30 PM - 09:00 PM — Rochester Civic Theatre
ELECTRIC POWER WILL THERE BE ENOUGH IN 2030 – 2035 – 2040? Apr 20, 2026 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM — 125 Live
ELECTRIC POWER - WILL THERE BE ENOUGH? Apr 20, 2026 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM — 125 Live
HOUSING THE UNHOUSED ROCHESTER HOUSING UPDATE FORUM Apr 23, 2026 07:00 PM - 08:30 PM — Christ United Methodist Church, 400 5th Av SW
2026 Cambodian New Year Celebration Apr 25, 2026 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM — 4462 29th ST SE | Rochester, MN 55904
Dream. Build. Belong Club House Model Apr 30, 2026 04:00 PM - 05:00 PM — Bleu Duck Kitchen
Disparity Awareness Project Apr 30, 2026 06:00 PM - 07:00 PM — Rochester Public Library 101 2nd St SE, Rochester, MN
Rochester Fire Department to Host “Women Explore Fire Day Minnesota” May 02, 2026 08:00 AM - 01:00 PM — Olmsted Public Training Center (1550 50th Street SE, Rochester)
Upcoming events…
Community News

This panel displays the latest community news. For a standalone view please click this LINK.



Rochester, MN Supplemental Budget

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2022-08-22 City Council Study Session on 2023 Supplemental Budget

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RPS Education Equity Impacts and Outcome

April 7, 2026: Budget Reduction Impact

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

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RPS 2030 Strategic Plan Reviews

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 

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Lifestyle Wellness

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March 2020: Rochester Mayor Proclamation  

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

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References - Sep 2025 DMCC Board 10-Year Midpoint

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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

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Rochester International Relations Committee

2026 Winter Newsletter; Sister City Visits Germany Visit

2025 Sister City Trips: Japan 

Rochester Sister City Application (Roles and Responsibilities)

Sister Cities Relationship Logs

IRC Meeting Logs

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Healthy Living Wellness Tips

2026: KTTC: Midwest Access Video Clips

2025 Sep Newsletter; 2025 Conference Materials

2020 Lifestyle Medicine Symposium (March 19-20)

Last Updated April 02, 2026



DMC Private Investment Status

 Annual Report to DEED Prep 

  • Mar 2026 DMCC Exec Committee Meeting - Video Recording, PB Reporting - Private Investment Status
  • Mar 2025: DMCC Exec Committee Briefing " Overall private investment related to the Destination Medical Center initiative bounced back in 2024, but non-Mayo Clinic development continued to decline in the DMC district for the sixth year."

Last Updated March 31, 2026



West Transit Village Housing Development

April 1 2026 AEON Affordable Housing Townhall

May 2025 DMCC Board Meeting Report

Feb 2025 DMCC Board Meeting Memo

PB reporting re Jan 6 City Council Meeting

"A final plan for dividing a 14.1-acre Mayo Clinic parking lot into developable sections is expected to be reviewed Monday by the Rochester City Council. The site, being dubbed “West Transit Village,” sits between Second Street Southwest and Cascade Lake. It is currently used as a Mayo Clinic employee shuttle lot, and Mayo Clinic plans to construct a 2,500-stall parking structure."

Last Updated March 25, 2026



County of Olmsted, MN Resident Surveys

2025: Park and Rec Survey Results

2022: High-level results from the Olmsted County 2022 Resident Survey were shared at the Olmsted County Board of Commissioners meeting Tuesday, July 19, 2022.

Last Updated March 23, 2026



ADA Public Input

Olmsted County is inviting community members to review and provide feedback on a draft update to its Americans with Disabilities (ADA) Act Transition Plan for public right-of-way.

Last Updated March 20, 2026



Community Ed and Parks & Rec Survey

The survey asks residents about their current participation in recreation programs, how they learn about activities, and what types of programs or opportunities they would like to see offered in the future.

Last Updated March 20, 2026



Chamber of Commerce 2026 Case for Investment

Request for Investment to Olmsted County Board March 3 2026

Video Clip, Presentation Slides, Whitepaper

Last Updated March 18, 2026



Olmsted County Health Focus Topics

1Q 2026 HAPP Meeting Features:

Overdose SPIKE

Mental Health Club House

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Rochester Learning Center Mural Night

UMR and ALC Collaboration Research Study Introduction

The Artist Mindset Research Study

 

Last Updated March 14, 2026



City SUPPORTING TRANSFORMATION - BOLD. Forward. Unbound.

City Council Study Session:

Mar 2026 Video Recording, Presentation

Feb 2025 Video Recording Link, Presentation, Collaboration Commitment

Last Updated March 10, 2026



America's City for Heath and Older Adults Needs

Mar 2026: Tech Enabled Aging In Place Talks Postings

Oct 2025 AI Summary of Dave Beal's PB Op Ed: "Include older adults in Rochester's Plans"

Last Updated March 09, 2026



Braver Angels News

Listen to (and learn from) the other side

  • 2026 - 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 March 06, 2026



2025-26 RPS Superintendent Goals Check

Feb 3 2026 Superintendent Goals - Midyear Review: 

  • Video Clip
  • Talking Points 

Last Updated March 04, 2026