ELECTED OFFICIALS COMPRISE NEWEST COHORT OF BUSH FELLOWS

(Saint Paul, MN – Mar. 1, 2013) – Because the Bush Foundation believes that elected and government officials in statewide and federal policy-making positions have an unmatched opportunity to engage their communities in creating positive change to strengthen community vitality, it has selected its final Bush Fellows for 2012 from an applicant pool open exclusively to such individuals. The Fellows are:

Rep. Raymond Dehn (Minneapolis, MN)

Rep. Ron Guggisberg (Fargo, ND)

Rep. Carlos Mariani (St. Paul, MN)

Christine Sorensen, U.S. Department of Agriculture-Rural Development (Pierre, SD)

The efforts of these four newest Fellows will focus on developing emergency preparedness training, shaping a statewide Latino leadership network, collaborating on regional development initiatives, and improving infrastructure to help create thriving communities. Learn more about the 2012 Fellows and their projects at BushFoundation.org/2012Fellows.

“As elected and government officials, these Bush Fellows have a unique vision and opportunity for improving the quality of life in their communities. They understand the need for community input and aren’t easily deterred by conflict or skepticism,” said Martha Lee, manager of the Bush Fellowship Program. “That’s what makes these individuals the perfect fit for the Bush Fellowship Program. Undertaking these projects involves facing and managing the substantial risks and conflicts that arise when Fellows work on such complex problems and when they include people with diverse opinions in the change process.”

The Foundation began offering fellowships in 1965. Since then, more than 2,200 individuals have been named Bush Fellows. 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.

In 2012, the Foundation began offering several application periods throughout the year. These four newest Fellows join 29 others announced in June, August and October.

GTS Educational Events managed the application and selection process for this round of Bush Fellowships open exclusively to elected and government officials and will administer the funds for these fellowships as well.

General applications for the 2013 Bush Fellowship Program are now open through March 22. Visit BushFoundation.org/Fellowship for more information and to apply.

About GTS Educational Events

GTS is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping those who provide services to Minnesota citizens and communities meet current needs for knowledge and skills, plus anticipate and prepare for changes to come. We have worked with policymakers, staff and appointed officials from all levels of government and all types of nonprofit agencies—and their collaborators in associations, business, higher education and community groups—since 1977.

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.