Community Connections Conference
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The Community Connections Conference is an annual free event that fosters connections between the residents of Minneapolis, community groups, neighborhoods and local government. In 2019, 885 people participated.
The conference features important information, networking opportunities, panels, speakers, performances, free food and over 100 exhibitors spaces.
Sign up to receive email updates about the Community Connections Conference by clicking here and entering your email address.
Get involved
There are many ways to get involved in the Community Connections Conference. You can volunteer, exhibit, facilitate a breakout session, sponsor the conference or be a community partner.
We are seeking breakout sessions and exhibits that align with the conference objectives and theme for this year: We count. Todos contamos. Natirakoob. Peb muaj nuj nqi.
Host a breakout session
Breakout sessions could include workshops, panel discussions, round table discussions or open houses.
- Do you have an idea for a workshop or breakout session? Submit your idea here by Dec. 16 or until spaces are full.
- ¿Tienes una idea para un taller u otra actividad para la conferencia? Mándanos tu idea aquí antes del 16 de diciembre.
- Ma haysaa mowduuc, mase abaabulikartaa fasal? Fadlan soo gudbi fikradaada inta ka horaysa Diisembar 16-deeda.
- Yog koj muaj tswvyim hais txog kev kawm los yog sibtham no thov qhia rau ntawm no ua ntej lub 12 hlis tim 16.
In 2019, breakout sessions covered topics that included:
- Unaccompanied minors, human trafficking, the new Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs and how to obtain US citizenship.
- City programs related to lead abatement and buying, building or rehabilitating housing through Minneapolis Homes.
- Housing policy, eviction, homelessness and tenant rights.
- Religious, racial and ethnic discrimination and environmental racism.
- The 2020 census.
- Success stories in renter engagement, neighborhood crime reduction, youth leadership development and neighborhood organizing.
- How to get involved in the City's budgeting process and advisory boards.
Community partners
Community partners advise organizers about important conference features to ensure it serves the needs of all Minneapolis residents. Some of the decisions community partners advise on include:
- Conference format
- Topics of interest
- Workshop presenters and keynote speakers
- Outreach plan
We also ask our community partners to share the conference with their networks and communities.
Volunteering
You can sign up to volunteer at the conference by selecting "I would like to volunteer" on your registration form once registration opens in January 2020.
Exhibitors
Last year's exhibit hall featured information and resources from 119 different community groups and public agencies. Read more or sign up on the exhibitor page.
Conference theme and objectives
By using the theme "We count," we are saying that all communities are welcome and valued in Minneapolis and calling on communities to get involved in decision-making in 2020. Residents can get involved by committing to get counted in the US census, vote, join an advisory committee or neighborhood board, learn about important local issues and City policies or volunteer with a community organization.
Conference objectives
We host this conference so that:
- Residents, community groups, neighborhood organizations, City of Minneapolis departments and decision-makers collaborate and connect with each other to solve community problems.
- All communities feel welcome to interact with or get involved in local decision-making.
- Residents learn about programs and policies that affect them.
Last updated Dec 5, 2019
