Mark your calendars, Minneapolis residents! The annual Community Connections Conference is back in action, slated for a day full of interactive learning and local engagement on Feb. 17. Open to all at no charge, the Minneapolis Convention Center will serve as the hub for a gathering designed to connect neighbors, showcase city services, and activate civic participation, according to the City of Minneapolis.
This year's theme, "Open city, your Minneapolis," spotlights an inclusive cityscape, a place where ideas, commerce, and community thrive side-by-side. The programming, hand-picked by the staff includes an array of workshops and activities for all ages; featuring an exhibit hall and engaging discussions on critical topics like community safety and youth engagement. Festivities will also revel in Minneapolis' resurgence in the aftermath of the global pandemic.
More than 150 exhibits await conference-goers with a spectrum of opportunities, such as employment and internship positions within the City of Minneapolis, a gateway into green jobs, and a peek at how the Minneapolis City Council operates. Not to miss is the free COVID-19 vaccine clinic – no insurance necessary – an attraction inviting for those looking to safeguard their health as the city continues to restore normalcy.
Hands-on CPR demonstrations, immigration assistance, resources on opioid addiction, crime prevention tips, and voting in elections are merely a snapshot of the broad range of topics that will be covered. Exhibits also shine a light on environmental concerns such as air pollution monitoring and removing lead from homes – residents can bring items for testing.
The conference isn't just about observing - it's about actively participating. Breakout sessions will tackle the nitty-gritty of renter rights, home purchasing for newbies, voter engagement, and the Minneapolis Climate Equity Action Plan. Attendees will be able to speak out on creating a safer, healthier, and more child-friendly city. Detailed information on the conference, including how to score a free Metro Transit ride there, can be found on the city's official website.
From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Feb. 17, the Minneapolis Convention Center's first floor in Hall E becomes the city's meeting ground where voices will join in dialogue, including a communal lunch to stir the pot of conversation. Minneapolis is extending an open invitation, welcoming everyone to take part in the fabric of their city at this empowering event.
