Welcome Center in Austin hosts workshop with funding from Mayo Clinic Equity, Diversity and Inclusion grant

The Welcome Center in Austin recently hosted a workshop series titled “Creating a Better Story,” tailored to help community leaders understand the messages and narratives created by words, actions and decisions. The event was made possible through a prior year grant, EverybodyIn Fund for Change, which supports equity, diversity and inclusion. The workshop was facilitated by the YMCA of the North’s Equity Innovation Center and included leaders from Mower County, the City of Austin, local law enforcement, Austin Public Schools, Riverland Community College, the Austin Area Chamber of Commerce and Hormel Foods. The Austin Human Rights Commission sponsored facilities for community members and leaders from smaller organizations.

The group learned about culture, bias and awareness. The last session discussed the conditions of systems change and ideas for transformation at work and in the community. Varinh Van Vugt, executive director of the Welcome Center, expressed appreciation for the funding and said the event encouraged further conversations and efforts to advance equity in the community. “Thank you so much for supporting our work to uplift and support families in a community that is safe, welcoming and inclusive for all,” Van Vugt said.