The Blandin Foundation, in cooperation with the Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce, has begun the process of identifying and actively recruiting a cohort of 24 community members to participate in the Blandin Community Leadership Program (BCLP). We encourage any established or emerging community leaders to pick up an application at the Fairmont Area Chamber or APPLY ONLINE. Eligible applicants will be actively engaged in our community and at least 21 years of age. Those selected will represent a diverse cross-section of our community in terms of age, gender identity, ethnicity, occupation and involvement.
Fairmont is one of just ten communities selected by Blandin to participate in this program throughout greater Minnesota in 2019. This is the first time in over ten years that our community has been given the opportunity to participate in the BCLP, having taken part just twice prior since the program’s inception in 1985. The program consists of a five-day residential retreat at Sugar Lake Lodge near Grand Rapids, Minnesota followed by three local, one-day workshop sessions.
The retreat will take place in October of 2019. Our selection includes an award of $4,000 per participant from the Blandin Foundation to cover the cost of tuition, food and lodging during the five-day retreat. Participants only costs will be their commitment of time and travel to the site.
The BCLP has served over 7000 leaders from more than 600 rural Minnesota communities to date. The program aims to inspire, enable and mobilize community leaders to work together in building inclusive communities, creating economic development opportunities and finding creative solutions to community issues involving health, housing, education and more. Leaders will emerge from the program prepared to more effectively frame community issues, build and sustain social capital and mobilize for community action. Don’t miss your chance to be a part of this dynamic program and help lay the foundation for the future of the Fairmont area.
The deadline for application is Monday, August 19, 2019.
For more information on the Blandin Community Leadership Program, please contact the Fairmont Area Chamber at 507-235-5547 or email Chamber President Ned Koppen.