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2026 Continuous Improvement Program

This event is offered in partnership with the Initiative Foundation, Performance Excellence Network, and Sourcewell.


The Initiative Foundation and Sourcewell are excited to bring the Performance Excellence Network back to Central Minnesota for a Continuous Improvement cohort. Join other Central Minnesota nonprofits and local units of government for this hands-on learning opportunity.



  • Sessions will be built around the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) framework, and will incorporate principles from the Baldrige Framework for Performance Excellence as well as several other continuous improvement tools and methods.

  • Design will be focused on learners new to PDCA and continuous improvement concepts, and sessions will each include peer-learning opportunities.

  • Participants will be asked to apply learning from each session in their respective organizations and share their experiences at the next session. Participants will be encouraged to focus on an organizational improvement opportunity through the course of the sessions as they incrementally apply the PDCA methods and associated continuous improvement tools and approaches.


Sourcewell strives to bring the highest-quality resources, information, and training opportunities to our members. We’re honored to partner with regional organizations, like the Initiative Foundation and Performance Excellence Network, to bring this opportunity to our central Minnesota region.   

Multiple dates

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Time varies

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Initiative Foundation

2026 Open Meeting Law & Data Practices

This is a specialized training on both practical and legal considerations of Minnesota’s Open Meeting Law and Data Practices requirements. Participants will gain an understanding of these complicated laws, gain an understanding of updated regulations, learn how to access appropriate resources, and leave with practical knowledge for working within the laws’ parameters.

May 14, 2026

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9 a.m.-12 p.m.

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Crosslake Fire Hall

Active Violence Tabletop

This tabletop exercise prepares participants to respond effectively to an active violence incident and the subsequent reunification process. Through realistic scenarios and guided discussions, attendees will examine the roles, responsibilities, and coordination among various agencies. Emphasis will be placed on communication, decision-making, and maintaining safety throughout both phases. The exercise promotes collaboration and identifies areas for improvement in emergency response and reunification protocols.

Feb. 10 or 11, 2026

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9 a.m.-2 p.m.

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Sourcewell

Building Disaster Readiness for Local Governments 2026

This two-day training integrates FEMA's foundational principles with procurement compliance, explicitly designed for local governments. Participants will learn best practices on how to establish, operate, and manage an Emergency Operations Center (EOC), ensuring alignment with FEMA’s Incident Command System (ICS) and federal procurement standards. This training will provide hands-on experience and actionable strategies to strengthen emergency preparedness while maintaining compliance with FEMA’s procurement requirements.

March 18-19, 2025

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8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

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Sourcewell

I Love U Guys: Standard Response Protocol Train the Trainer

The Standard Response Protocol (SRP) Half-Day Seminar provides a comprehensive overview of the SRP and its five actions-Hold, Secure, Lockdown, Evacuate, and Shelter-as a proven, all-hazards approach to crisis response.


Participants will explore the history, concepts, and functionality of the SRP, gaining a clear understanding of how it enhances school safety planning with a standardized, action-based response. Through immersive learning and real-world applications, attendees will learn how to effectively implement the SRP and train their organization to respond confidently in emergency situations. 


By the end of the seminar, participants will be equipped with the knowledge, tools, and insights they need to integrate the SRP into their emergency operations plans, enhancing their organization's preparedness and crisis response.

Feb. 25, 2026

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8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

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Sourcewell

Land Use Essentials

This is a foundational training session. This workshop is intended to help build capacity for city leaders, zoning administrators, and planning commission members when it comes to a foundational understanding of land use. This training will help cities to approach zoning questions with increased confidence.

March 25, 2026

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10 a.m.-3 p.m.

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Sourcewell

Youth Mental Health First Aid - February 2026

Identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges among young people. You’ll build the skills and confidence you need to recognize early warnings signs of a mental health challenge and how to reach out and provide initial and continuing support to young people experiencing a mental health challenge or crisis, including suicide. You will also learn how to help connect them to appropriate support.

Feb. 17, 2026

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8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.

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Sourcewell