2011-05-10_Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

• As I sought my Master's degree in Advocacy and Political Leadership, I took classes in civic engagement learning about the increasing disconnect between people and their communities. • Early on in my career working for Greater Twin Cities United Way, I worked to engage corporate citizens in the programs and services offered by the organization. • In my role as Committee Administrator for the Health and Human Services Budget Division of the Minnesota Senate, I sought to engage citizens of the 61st district in legislative proposals. • In my current role as Political Representative for AFSCME Council 5, I am continually looking for new ways to get members involved and active in the organization. Each of these experiences has given me a better understanding of the hurdles to civic engagement and what motivates citizens to become civically engaged. Aside from watching televised city council and planning meetings, my biggest involvement with the city of Roseville is through the Parks and Recreation Department. I often utilize the Parks system in Roseville, taking walks around the Langton Lake loop and Central Park and visiting Oasis Park with my nephews. Additionally, I organized a summer sand volleyball team through the Parks and Rec last year and am in the process of doing so again for this year. Summarize special skills and qualifications you have acquired from employment or previous community work which may be useful in the Task Force's work. As I stated above, I have worked towards engaging citizens in many facets of my life. Each of these experiences has built upon the previous to provide me with a wide variety of knowledge and skills about the subject. My Master's degree studies of civic engagement have made me a firm believer in Robert Putnam's "Bowling Alone" which shows the increasing disconnects between citizens and their communities. Technology, while increasing our efficiency, has decreased our social capital thus leading us to be disenfranchised from our community. I firmly believe that by utilizing technology and good old fashion human interaction in different ways we can bridge this gap in our community. In working with the legislature, I utilized many new technologies to involve constituents in the legislative process. In addition to developing an electronic newsletter and Facebook page, I also worked with other legislative offices to develop personal touches that many people are missing in todays wired world. I believe that my experience working for the legislature, sitting on various non- profit boards and obtaining a higher level of education will be an asset to the work of the Task Force. Program Planning Committee Report to the May 10. 2011, Roseville Human Rights Commission_ 6 - Meeting