Thankful for the Invisible Work of Others
November 17 is a good time to express some gratitude.
November always gets me thinking of Thanksgiving Day, and along with that all the things I should be thankful for. Something I should be thankful for – but is so easy to take for granted and overlook – is the many ways my community has been blessed and my life enriched by the nonprofit organizations all around me.
Nonprofits give to all of us, in many ways. I don’t necessarily see all that nonprofits do, but I know people around me are impacted in ways that make my community a better place to live for everyone. Nonprofits enable people all around me to heal, to live fuller lives, to express themselves, to find joy and live better lives. They protect the young, the old, and the vulnerable in our society. They feed and shelter the homeless. They do good things that make my world better.
It’s so easy to take it all for granted, to assume they’ll always be there.
You and I both know that isn’t true. Just as COVID was devastating to many businesses, it had a big impact on the nonprofits that perform all those invisible services that make our communities better. I believe we have a role here, to ensure those nonprofits continue to fulfill their unique missions. Thursday, November 17, is Give to the Max Day here in Minnesota. At face value, that encourages us to give back, to support one or more organizations that have given to our community all year long.
I invite you to join me. Pick a nonprofit that is near and dear to your heart. Give to that nonprofit, and give generously. Think of all the ways your world is enriched by nonprofits in your community and show your gratitude.
Stephen Henning
Director, AMS Digital Productions
Individually our impact is limited. Collectively we can make a difference.
AMS Digital Productions is proud to be an associate member of Minnesota Council of Nonprofits, and we serve a wide variety of nonprofit organizations. Following is a representative cross-section of some of the organizations we have recently worked with. We encourage you to support any of them, or another nonprofit that is especially meaningful to you.
Eight nonprofits that give to their communities.
Sustainable Farming Association (SFA)
We are proud to have helped create this promo video for Sustainable Farming Association’s Annual Salsa Festival, held in Wadena in September.
MISSION: Advance environmental stewardship, economic resilience, and help develop strong, diverse communities through farmer-to-farmer networking, education, demonstration, and research.
Helping the agricultural community throughout Minnesota, SFA hosts events such as the Midwest Soil Health Summit, an Annual Conference, Minnesota Salsa Fest, and more. Their organization helps to create a large support network for farmers to meet, share ideas and practices, and expand local markets for the food they produce.
Andria Theatre
MISSION: Build community by igniting interest and participation in and through the performing arts.
The Andria Theatre, located in Alexandria, is west central Minnesota’s foremost live theatre and performing arts center. Each year their season consists of five high quality performances aimed for audiences of all ages. They continue to enrich their community with their productions, live comedy improv shows, and their popular youth program, the Student Theatre Project.
Pelican Rapids Multicultural Committee
This event is unique to Pelican Rapids and excels at bringing their community together: Diversity Dinner.
MISSION: Find creative and fun ways to bring the community together while celebrating the many cultures and heritages represented throughout Pelican Rapids.
Pelican Rapids is home to a large and diverse community made up of numerous cultural backgrounds. In an effort to highlight, promote, and celebrate their differences, the Pelican Rapids Multicultural Committee brings together their residents with events such as the Friendship Festival, Diversity Dinners, and a published cookbook.
Smile Again Ministries
MISSION: Help hurting people find hope and peace in their pain by providing a safe space to mourn the loss of a child.
Officially listed as a nonprofit in 2007, Smile Again Ministries is home to ‘Whitetail Lodge’ in Crosslake, Minnesota. This special retreat center is designed to help grieving families seek counseling and time to heal in the tranquility of nature.
Prairie Renaissance Cultural Alliance
MISSION: Bring together the community by creating spaces to experience the arts in Stevens County, including the operation of the Morris Gallery, Prairie Art & Gifts.
Established in 2002, the Prairie Renaissance Cultural Alliance connects their community by advocating, promoting, and coordinating arts, heritage, and cultural activities for all ages to enjoy.
A Center for the Arts
MISSION: Connect artists, patrons, and the community by providing the best possible arts experiences that inspire creativity, curiosity, imagination, and learning.
Located in downtown Fergus Falls, A Center for the Arts is a fixture in their small town. From touring performers to local showcases, concerts, theatre, and more, they provide culture and entertainment to their community year-round.
Brandon History Center
This short promotional video gives an inside look at the historic Brandon Auditorium.
MISSION: To collect and preserve the history of Brandon, Millerville, and the surrounding areas for future generations.
A popular spot for events such as community plays and elections, the Brandon City Hall and Auditorium houses the Brandon History Center – an organization dedicated to the preservation of local historic sites as well as the rich history of their community and surrounding area.
Prairie Wind Players
MISSION: Produce, promote, and present cultural art programs that contribute to the enrichment of the communities and their residents in and around Grant County.
First established in 1979, the Prairie Wind Players (PWP) owns, operates, and maintains Roosevelt Hall in Barrett, Minnesota. Officially placed on the National Register of Historic Places in the mid-80’s, PWP uses this space to bring the arts and other large events to members of the community.