I’ve heard the writing advice that to emphasize a moment in a scene, spend more time on it. I’ve found myself digging into the pieces of my day that are different from pre-COVID times, the parts I’ve come to love that are slower and more deliberate. I’m spending more time thinking about these moments, in anticipation that they will likely go away or evolve into something else.

This past summer in the Twin Cities has been revolutionary. 

As many organizations made the important pivot to working from home to minimize the impact of a global pandemic, our community suffered the tragic murder of George Floyd at the hands of  Minneapolis Police Department officers, and residents were activated to hit the streets demanding justice.

Mutual aid distribution sites sprung up overnight to aid South and North Minneapolis communities who lost important neighborhood storefronts, which eliminated access to groceries, household goods, and critical medications. 

And we carried on because our work didn’t stop. For many, it intensified. 

The problem with ignoring pain is that it doesn’t go away. We just start to work around it, maneuvering in maladaptive ways.

To kick off 2013, YNPN Twin Cities offered event programming that challenged members to Connect Through Purpose. February’s event, The First Seven Seconds, provided strategies for improving your non-verbal communication cues to make memorable first impressions. March’s event, How to Move a Mountain, featured a panel of 3 amazing change makers who shared their tips for inspiring others to make a difference. Whether you were in hibernation or just couldn’t make it to the events, we have video highlights from the February and March events to get you up to speed.