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.   

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.

This active violence training course focuses solely on the vital role that telecommunications personnel play during these critical incidents. 

Dispatch personnel will cover the following material over two days:

• A brief history of active violence


• Screening callers during an attack


• ASD and PTSD in your center following an incident


• Dealing with callers who are in danger


• Handling off-duty officers and concealed weapons permit holders during an attack


• Active shooter scenarios for all personnel who wish, and are able, to participate


• Impromptu tourniquet application in EMD-style presentation and how to talk callers through hemorrhage control


• Basic reunification following an incident

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.

This beginner‑friendly session is designed for those working in local government, public safety, or nonprofit organizations who want to feel more confident using everyday technology. Participants will learn the basics of computers, internet connections, and common digital tools in clear, non-technical language. The training also focuses on staying safe online. Attendees will learn how to recognize common scams, phishing attempts, and suspicious messages, as well as simple steps to protect personal and work information. No prior technical experience is required!

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.