FOUNDATION NAMES ADDITIONAL BUSH FELLOWS FOR 2012

(Saint Paul, MN – August 28, 2012) – Ready to engage with others to create positive change—addressing tough problems from child protection to economic development—the newest group of 2012 Bush Fellows is committed to working toward sustainable solutions to strengthen the vitality of their communities.

In an effort to provide greater flexibility to those applying for a Bush Fellowship, the Foundation now offers several application periods through the year. The first group of 2012 Bush Fellows was announced in June. The second group is:

Zahra Aljabri (Minneapolis, MN)

Katie Blanchard (Minneapolis, MN)

Joel Donna (St. Paul, MN)

Alika Galloway (Minneapolis, MN)

Brent Curtiss Olson (Ortonville, MN)

Peyton Russell (Minneapolis, MN)

Honor Schauland (Isabella, MN)

Heather Simonich (Moorhead, MN)

Barbara Simpson Epps (St. Paul, MN)

Pamela Teaney Thomas (Blackhawk, SD)

Tene Wells (Minneapolis, MN)

(Find details about the 2012 Bush Fellows’ projects at BushFoundation.org.)

“The Bush Foundation has a long and proud history of supporting individuals in their personal development so they can more effectively engage with others and bring their ideas for community vitality to fruition,” said Martha Lee, manager of the Bush Fellowship Program. “Just like the Fellows we announced in June, these newest Fellows aren’t deterred by conflict or risk; they’re willing to take on tough, complex problems in their communities and are committed to making them better places for everyone.”

The current cohort of Bush Fellows will focus on a range of issues that include creating sustainable food systems, promoting economic development in rural and urban areas, improving science education, changing people’s perceptions of graffiti art, improving outcomes for children by effectively addressing trauma, creating opportunities for authentic youth engagement, developing nonprofits that are reflective of and responsive to the needs of the Muslim community, and intervening in and preventing sex trading.

This second group of 2012 Bush Fellows will pursue their work through a variety of methods including systems change, community engagement and personal development opportunities.

These new Fellows join the ranks of more than 2,200 Bush Fellows named since 1965. The Foundation’s focus on building the capacity of individuals to solve problems in their communities sprang from founder Archibald Bush’s belief that providing opportunities for people with energy and ideas would have great impact on the community.

The Bush Foundation will announce additional Bush Fellows in 2012. The selection of a third group is underway, and Fellows will be announced in October. GTS Educational Events is managing the selection of a fourth round of Fellows, open exclusively to elected and public officials. Applications are due November 20, 2012, and Fellows will be announced in February 2013. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply at mngts.org/BushFellows.

About the Bush Foundation

Our mission is to be a catalyst for the courageous leadership necessary to create sustainable solutions to tough public problems and ensure community vitality. The Foundation was established in 1953 by 3M executive Archibald Bush and his wife, Edyth, and today works in communities across Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and the 23 Native nations that share the same geographic area. Learn more at BushFoundation.org.