The International Falls Area Inclusion Learning Cohort is created in partnership with a core team from the community seeking to represent a variety of sectors including (1) business and chamber, (2) law enforcement, (3) non-profit and community organizations, (4) health care system, (5) education, (6) spiritual, religious, or faith groups, (7) arts and culture, (8) youth, and (9) elders.

The goals of the Inclusion Learning Cohort experience are to:
  • Build relationships across difference
  • Learn inclusive community practices
  • Identify gaps in inclusion and discuss areas of need in the community
  • Identify a Community Inclusion project to move forward together


The learning cohort process involves three key elements:
  • Community participation in the Inclusion and Belonging Survey
  • Series of seven workshops with topics selected and hosted in partnership with local collaborators
  • Selection and implementation of Community Inclusion Project by cohort members (up to $5000 in funding available)


The Inclusion Learning Cohort is part of the larger Welcoming Community programming initiated by Northspan. Its goal is to foster inclusive environments in Northeast Minnesota and help residents from diverse backgrounds and lived experiences build relationships and collaboration to set the stage for community and economic growth.

COST: It’s free! Northspan’s Welcoming Community programming is funded in part by the Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation, Blandin Foundation, Department of Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation, and the Northland Foundation.

WHERE: The Inclusion Learning Cohort workshops are held at the Rainy River Campus Commons (1901 2nd Ave, International Falls, MN 56649)

MEETING DATES & TIMES: Tuesday evenings from 5:30PM - 8:00PM on an approximately bi-weekly basis. Tentative dates for the workshop series are listed below and registrants will be notified in advance of any changes.

  • Tuesday, March 12th, 5:30PM-8:00PM
    • ABC's of Constructive Dialogue Across Difference
  • Tuesday, April 9, 5:30-8:00PM
  • Tuesday, April 23, 5:30-8:00PM
  • Tuesday, May 7, 5:30-8:00PM
  • Tuesday, May 14, 5:30-8:00PM
  • Tuesday, May 28, 5:30-8:00PM
  • Tuesday, June 11, 5:30-8:00PM
    • Celebration and Accelerated Action Planning for Community Inclusion Project (up to $5000 available)
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

  • Dinner is included and will be available at 5:30PM
  • Childcare will be provided. Email alewis@northspan.org with number and ages of children who will need care
  • All of the Inclusion Learning Cohort workshops are free of charge.
  • Please reach out to Welcoming Community Program Manager Amber Lewis at alewis@northspan.org with any accessibility concerns.

The information collected in this registration will be used to understand the aspects of diversity present in the Inclusion Learning Cohort. Any information provided as part of this registration will only be shared anonymously.

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