Action Teams
The following list of action teams will give you an idea of what we are doing in the community and how you can get involved.
College Connection Action Team
Opportunity
Duluth is a community with approximately 90,000 permanent residents; an additional 20,000 are drawn to the area by way of the local colleges. Students impact the local economy, support job growth and it is estimated they spend $100 million or more annually. Many students don’t consider staying in Duluth after graduation.
Purpose
Engage interested students in the local business community and help them develop a network of contacts to motivate them to build their careers, homes and families in Duluth.
Description
College Connection is a mentorship program designed to enhance college students’ relationships with the business community.
College Connection matches mentors with students from three area colleges to build a networking contact which allows the student to gain access to Duluth’s professional community.
Most participants are matched by the student’s area of study and the mentor’s occupation; these matches are not always perfect. They do allow the student, however, to build great networking connections and lasting relationships with their mentor. If you or someone you know is interested in being a mentor/mentee through College Connection, contact the Chamber at 218.722.5501.
Goals
- Provide experienced role models for juniors and seniors
- Provide informal advice and counsel for students seeking to clarify their career direction
- Increase awareness of employment opportunities in our community
- Increase knowledge of entrepreneurial success in Northeastern Minnesota
Want to help change the lives of others? Interested in helping students from the local colleges grow in the Duluth Community? Become a College Connection
If you have any questions please contact Lara Wilkinson at lwilkinson@duluthchamber.com or 218.740.3754.
Action Team
The College Connection Action Team is made up of volunteers that do the following:
- Mentor a student
- Help pair students with mentors
- Recruit mentors
- Help plan College Connection events
If you would like to volunteer on this initiative, please contact the Chair of College Connection Tad Johnson at: tadulous@gmail.com
Civic Engagement Action Team
Opportunity
According to our social capital benchmark survey, 18-34 year olds in the Duluth/Superior area volunteer almost 50% more than the same age group in the 20 other communities surveyed. However, this survey also showed 78% of the same age group in the Twin Ports area feels they have little to moderate impact in their community. We want to empower young people to lead.
Purpose
Educate and engage members through a combination of methods leading to more community participation as well as building the next generation into active civic leaders focused on improving where they live and work.
Description
Activities will be more based on issues and not on a specific political party. For example, we do not endorse candidates but share opportunities with people who have an interest to get engaged in the campaign process.
Goals
- Our short term goals include hosting Topics on Tap events, “Get Out the Vote” campaigns during election years and offering opportunities to volunteer in the community.
- Our long term goals include building a program that will prepare Fuse Duluth members to serve on boards and connect them to boards that have openings.
Action Team
The Civic Engagement Action Team is made up of volunteers that do the following:
- Promote events to your network
- Help plan events
- Participate in the annual Duluth and St. Louis County at the Capitol Event.
- If you would like to volunteer on this initiative, please contact John Bennett, Chair of the Civic Engagement Action Team at 218.726.6471
Events/Communications Action Team
Opportunity
Over 400 people have joined Fuse Duluth in the first year that membership was made available. Average attendance at Fuse events has been as high as 120 people and averages around 70 people. There are 1-4 events every month and all of them serve a different purpose.
Purpose
Plan and execute creative and successful Fuse Duluth events. Be the “welcome wagon” for current, new and prospective Fuse Duluth members.
Description
This team will meet about two times per year to generate ideas for events. Throughout the year team members will help secure speakers/panelists, prizes, and entertainment needed for events. The team will also be present at most Fuse events to act as greeters and to facilitate networking among members. Members of this team will make phone calls to new Fuse Duluth members welcoming them to the group and inviting them to events. Team members will also help coordinate volunteers for larger events and initiatives.
Goals
Our short term goals include completing the event planning for this year’s Fuse Duluth events, creating a positive image of Fuse Duluth among members and within the community.
Action Team
The Events/Communications Action Team is made up of volunteers that do the following:
- Plan and attend Fuse Duluth events as well as greet at the events
- Welcome new members with an introductory phone call
- Promote Fuse Duluth events to your network
If you would like to volunteer on this initiative, please contact us at: fuseintern@dultuhchamber.com .
