NWMF seeks outstanding "community builders"

 

Since 1998, the Northwest Minnesota Women's Fund has honored 35 women who have demonstrated leadership for improving the quality of their own lives or those around them. In our increasingly complex society, the Women’s Fund seeks to applaud the efforts of the women who have made Northwest Minnesota a better place to live, work, raise families, and have fun.

The Women’s Fund is asking for your assistance in recognizing these women who live in the counties of Beltrami, Clearwater, Marshall, Hubbard, Pennington, Polk, Kittson, Red Lake, Norman, Mahnomen, Roseau and Lake of the Woods.  Nomination forms can be obtained from the Northwest Minnesota Foundation web site (www.nwmf.org) or by calling 218-759-2057 or 1-800-659-7859. 

All nomination forms must be submitted by June 1, 2012. After the selections, the Advisory Committee will plan and host receptions in the recipients’ hometowns, to be held in late summer or early fall.

“Community Builders” awards are given based on the following criteria:

Leadership:  A woman who through leadership roles has made significant contributions to her community; and through volunteerism, citizenship or community service has significantly improved the lives of women and girls.   

Outstanding Mentor: A woman who has demonstrated wisdom and devotion to helping others; a role model and mentor who has supported and encouraged positive development in young women, and who also shows the characteristics necessary for success while actively sharing her skills.

Professional Excellence: A woman who has demonstrated leadership and excellence in her work, and whose leadership has benefited her community and/or her company; and outstanding entrepreneur; a role model for other women in achieving success in traditional or non-traditional positions.

The Northwest Minnesota Women’s Fund, a component of the Northwest Minnesota Foundation, serves as a catalyst for improving the quality of life for women and girls by focusing on women’s initiatives, leadership and philanthropy to build successful communities.

Take Charge of Your Community's Future

The North Dakota State University Extension Service is sponsoring "Taking Charge of Your Community's Future," a series of community forums, in early 2012.

These forums are designed for community leaders and citizens interested in learning more about what other community leaders are doing to capitalize on the oil boom in western North Dakota, help local decision makers better understand zoning ordinances and land use planning, and assist surface owners and others to better understand their rights.

Topics of discussion will be:

* "What We Wish We Knew" - lessons learned from those who have been through it

* "Making Informed Decisions Part 1" - zoning, ordinances, etc.

* "Making Informed Decisions Part 2" - surface rights, mineral rights,
understanding your lease agreement

* NDSU Extension and other resources

The dates and locations for these community forums are:

* Jan. 18, Glen Ullin (Morton County), school gym

* Jan. 19, Underwood (McLean County), City Hall auditorium

* Jan. 20, Hettinger Research Extension Center (Adams County)

* Feb. 28, Bowbells (Burke County), courthouse

* Feb. 29, Lansford (Renville and Bottineau counties), community center

Speakers include NDSU faculty, city and county officials, and an engineering firm planner.

Preregistration is required. The cost is $10 per person to cover meals and materials.

For more information, contact the NDSU Extension office in the counties where the sessions will be held.