Respectful Conversations Lead Facilitator named Minnesota Community Builder
On Friday, January 3, MCC Respectful Conversations Lead Facilitator and longtime MCC partner Victoria McWane-Creek, founder of Organization 4 Full Participation, received the Bridge Builder 2024 award from the Minnesota Star Tribune. There was not an opportunity for her to deliver an acceptance speech; however, at MCC's invitation, this is what she would have shared:
Victoria McWane-Creek receives award from Star Tribune publisher Steve Grove
Thank you for this incredible honor. At first, I was uncertain about the invitation from Tim Ikeman, the Minnesota Star Tribune executive director of marketing. As founder of Organization 4 Full Participation, I have a wonderfully supportive network. Still, I had no idea how I became known to and selected by the team for the invitation that Tim extended on December 12, 2024. However, trusting my instincts led to this remarkable moment.
I am deeply humbled to be chosen as the Minnesota Star Tribune's first-ever Community Bridge Builder. Partnering with the Minnesota Council of Churches to deliver Respectful Conversations (RC) since 2012, I’ve used the RC model to navigate polarizing topics with hope, love, and balance. The fall 2024 RC at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Saint Cloud was yet another testament to this process.
The Wrap was an amazing event, with family traveling from Chicago and Oregon, and friends from Moorhead and Fergus Falls to celebrate. Their overwhelming support means everything to me. Thanks to the entire Star Tribune organization and everyone who has supported me along the way. This honor is a reminder of the impact we can have when we choose connection over division.
The event hosts' award speech focused on this column about the MCC Respectful Conversation she lead with another Lead Facilitator, Nancy Karner, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Saint Cloud. The idea to host a Respectful Conversation itself was conceived by the team led by Rev. Chad Peterson. This particular event was remarkable not only for its wonderful outcomes but also because about half of the volunteer table facilitators who ensured it could happen drove up to 4-hour round trips from places like Cloquet and Faribault, arranging their own lodging, in order to help out.
Congratulations to Victoria, and to everyone who partnered with Bethlehem Lutheran in Saint Cloud to make that October night one where people learned to better love their opponents and grow as peacemakers!
