Receive community-focused news and updates in your inbox by signing up for our Vital Connections newsletter.
Read news and insightful learnings and perspectives from Extension's work in Minnesota communities.
Use these blog articles to know and grow your local economies, strengthen community leadership and engagement, and develop tourism. Choose to explore all or filter content by topic.
![Street signage with tourism markers for visitors in Northfield, Minnesota.](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/tourist-signage-northfield-nov2020-209-cory-ryan-1000w.jpg?h=221bab2a&itok=rra9Bt27)
Tourism is a cornerstone of Minnesota’s economy. Learn about the potentially longer-lasting economic effects of COVID-19 and what that means for our tourism communities.
![Three leaders of color having a discussion while walking along a sidewalk.](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/community-leaders-of-color-northfield-2020-127-1400w.jpg?h=43a91392&itok=eAW63Ket)
Leadership practitioners have an opportunity to reflect on ways to increase inclusion and integrate multicultural approaches.
![The reflection of a man looking at himself in a window.](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/man-looking-at-mirror-sbi-302799022-1000w.jpg?h=59a1e1f8&itok=GlZf5CLj)
Reflexive thinking is having the ability (and commitment) to look inward and to see what some people refer to as a “standpoint.” Learn how you can practice reflexivity.
![Six people from diverse races form a circle of trust using their hands, with one person's hand holding the wrist of another person.](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/pixabay-hands-together-235128.jpg?h=0e5b7cf2&itok=aJkSnvjZ)
Trust binds a relationship, keeps a team together, drives performance, and enables collaboration and coordination. Learn five steps to build it.
![A women holding a pencil close to her head in deep thought while working in front of a computer.](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/woman-thinking-computer-room-sbi-301080048-1000w.jpg?h=8cbc6c6b&itok=bfBpy_qb)
What questions can you ask to help with critical thinking? Read about a definition and learn a three-step tool to help your thinking process.
Related articles and media
What type of emotions do you experience in a day? Learn how the ratio of your positive and negative emotions can help…
Learn tips for leading effective online meetings that will help you grow your skills and confidence.
Feeling overwhelmed? Watch and learn about a series of videos on stress.
Stay informed
Permission is granted to news media to republish our news articles with credit to University of Minnesota Extension. Images also may be republished; please check for specific photographer credits or limited use restrictions in the photo title.