Millennium Group

As part of our effort to build social capital in the Twin Ports community, the Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation launched the Millennium Group in 2001.

The group, which consisted of nearly 100 young community leaders, focused on what could be done in the Twin Ports to build social capital among tomorrow’s regional leaders. The initiative kicked off during our 2001 Annual Meeting when Dr. Robert Putnam gave the keynote speech based on his book, “Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community.”

Focused on the decline of social capital and the need to rebuild community strengths and resources, the Millennium Group absorbed his speech and developed two community projects: Speak Your Peace: The Civility Project and the Volunteer Promotion Project.

The Millennium Group concluded its efforts when it unveiled the logo and concept for Speak Your Peace at our 2003 Annual Meeting which featured keynote speaker Mr. Lewis M. Feldstein. Feldstein, the co-author of Putnam’s book, provided examples of social capital theory put into action which include:

  • Attend a pow wow, New Year or Juneteenth celebration, or other social event for a culture which is different from your own ethnic background.

  • Participate in a city-wide program where people read the same book. Attend a discussion or presentation of the book in a neighborhood which is not your own.
  • Mentor, tutor, or read to a child or youth on a regular basis.
  • Work on a Habitat construction project with people of all ages and economic backgrounds.
  • Serve as a representative of your neighborhood’s planning council or committee for meetings and programs with representatives from other neighborhoods.
  • Organize a community garden and help weed someone else’s garden plot.
  • Ask the older or younger person at the next table to share your table for lunch.
  • Volunteer to drive seniors to the polls on election day.
  • Pick up litter when you walk through a neighborhood that is not your own.
  • Attend a service at a church, synagogue, or other religious group that is not your own.
To learn more about Social Capital in the Twin Ports, click here.