Relationships Build Foundations for Inclusion

By Jackson Huntley, Leadership Consultant

Participate in any Blandin community leadership program and you will be introduced to eight dimensions essential to developing and sustaining healthy community. Presented in a circle, no dimension is less or more important than any other. I have been asked to write on Inclusion, because of the passion I have for this dimension. Here is where I have spent most of my volunteer community leadership service.

Leadership Toolbox: Building Social Capital Across Differences

We are all multicultural. Most of us belong to a number of different groups over our lifetime. As a result, we carry with ourselves several layers of programming, each corresponding to a different dimension of culture. Cultural differences include but are not limited to: age, nationality, ethnicity, religion, language, gender, generational levels (our roles as grandparents, parents, and children), social or economic class, and sexual orientation.

Everyone has a set of cultural assumptions that are truly unique. Given the complexity of culture and its influence on us as individuals what can we do to most effectively build social capital? The following seven steps reflect key components necessary:

Dr. Kathleen Annette: A Catalyst for Change

Kathleen Annette, M.D. saw the evolution of the Blandin Community Leadership Program (BCLP) from a unique vantage point.

From 1992 through 2004 she was a Blandin Foundation trustee. She knew the program was having an impact for rural leaders and communities throughout Minnesota, but she also knew BCLP wasn’t reaching American Indian people and communities. “Although BCLP was a premier program, it was clear that American Indians weren’t taking advantage of this opportunity,” said Kathleen, who is a member of the White Earth Band of Chippewa.

Jackson Huntley Retires

By Valerie Shangreaux, Leadership Director

What can one say about Jackson?  Well, first and foremost, we wish him well in his retirement.  Second, I am glad this isn’t really goodbye, but rather another transition.  While Jackson will no longer be a full-time staff member at the Blandin Foundation, he will continue to consult with us. 

That being said, I’d like to take some time to share with you the wonderful gifts Jackson brought to the Leadership Program and the Foundation. Jackson was an anchor to the leadership program, a port in a storm during a time of significant transition.  He stepped in willingly to the position of Interim Director, and then stayed on for two more years as the Senior Training and Curriculum Design Manager. 

During this two-year tenure, he led the way in refining and redesigning the content and structure of every training program of the Leadership Department.  Their beauty and quality are second to none! 

Meet the Leadership Team

Jim Hoolihan, Blandin Foundation President & CEO

Education: I graduated from Grand Rapids High School and received my undergraduate degree from the University of Notre Dame. My MBA degree was earned from University of Minnesota. I also hold a doctorate in law from William Mitchell College of Law.

Last job prior to joining the leadership team: I was the president of Industrial Lubricant Company, which provides a variety of services to the mining, railroad, energy, agricultural and construction industries.

Leadership News and Notes

‘Leadership News and Notes’ is a regular feature of Community Leader celebrating the accomplishments and endeavors of Blandin Foundation Leadership Program alumni as well as the communities which have been served by its programs.  This issue features Dan Vogt and Bob Bunger.

Building Relationships with Story Starters

Giving people an opportunity to tell something of their life story enables you to build relationships and learn about others at the same time. You can build a story starter activity into community group meetings or set aside a workshop or retreat for this purpose.

Following are questions that can help stimulate the sharing of life stories:

• Share the complete story of your name.
• Describe a recipe your family uses for treating a common cold.

Community Leader Moves to Online Only in 2010

As we prepare for our next generation of leaders and the future of rural Minnesota, many of the resources and connections necessary to create healthy community can be found online. To take advantage of this trend and to remain responsive, we will be piloting an online only presence of the Community Leader in 2010.