November 9 kicked off Session 4 for the Leadership FMWF program. The day came with knowledgeable speakers and hands-on activities that encouraged participants to learn more about the needs of our community and opportunities to engage with existing non-profits in FMWF. This session provided meaningful conversation focused on opportunities, challenges and what is to come.

Patrick Kirby got the day started with energy and great insight, providing information about the current non-profit landscape and examples of important ways to connect with non-profits in the community. Patrick encouraged the group to lean into the needs presented by non-profits and to help meet those needs – thinking outside the box to not overwhelm small non-profits with large groups of volunteers while also engaging our employers.

United Way of Cass-Clay hosted a Poverty Simulation for the group, which allows participants to walk through a month of daily life as someone living in poverty. The eye-opening experience made participants more aware of the current landscape of our community and unveiled how there are ways to be part of the solution.

"The poverty simulation was eye-opening to me in many ways - one way in particular was the childcare component. Finding childcare in our community is difficult in general but having limited funds to do so forces parents to potentially leave their children in unsafe situations in order to make ends meet. Since, I have been putting a lot of thought towards how our community can further support young families."

To kick off the second half of the day, five area non-profits came to participate in round table discussions. The Salvation Army, Farm in the Dell, Friends of the Children, Box of Balloons and Jail Chaplains all talked about their missions, challenges and celebrated successes.

This opportunity was special for many, as the group was able to dive into real dialogue regarding the needs of non-profits in our area. To finish the session, a panel including representatives from Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota, Hatch Realty/Hatch Coaching and SCHEELS hosted a discussion to tackle topics from getting involved in the community to navigating the hurdles of giving as a large company.

It was a great session full of conversation, activity and challenge. Keys takeaways included encouragement to find one’s passion and get connected in the community. Now halfway through the program, participants are starting to dive deeper into leadership growth and development, as well as community engagement., participants are starting to dive deeper into leadership growth and development, as well as community engagement. We directly heard from one LFMWF participant, Emily Sumner of NDSU Team Makers, about the exciting possibilities ahead:

“Through the Chamber Leadership Program, I have not only honed my leadership skills but also discovered the power of collaboration, innovation and community engagement. This transformative journey has equipped me to drive positive change and foster growth, both personally and within my community.”