Written by Rolf Lowenberg-DeBoer, Upstream Executive Director

Someone I respect very much spoke this week about the upcoming rebound of Minnesotans. She was referring to a time when we begin to emerge from the crisis situation in Minnesota of the past two months. I was struck with a moment of hope! She acknowledged it may be weeks or months, or even longer for some, depending on how deeply they were impacted. But it was the idea of a new chapter that I found compelling. We have to be able to imagine a new way of being in order to live into a new way of being. Rebound thinking is long-term thinking that is both realistic and hopeful. I like that.

Upstream Minnesota is focused on long-term stewardship of our natural places and building trust and connection in our communities. We are fully committed to being a part of the rebound in Minnesota, and we will double down on our work to foster trust and connection, knowing we need these things now more than ever. I once heard that trust is poured in by teaspoons and poured out by the bucket. We have so much trust to build and to rebuild. We also have a great amount of existing trust to launch from, especially in certain pockets in our state that have been hit hardest.

I don’t want to get too far ahead of myself by thinking things are over. Like many, I will believe it when I see it. However, I am encouraged by recent developments I am hearing about. I am also buoyed daily by stories of people coming together to care for one another.

• Where are you seeing trust being built and connections being made?
• What stories are you hearing or witnessing of deep care of people or place?
• Are you imagining a rebound or perhaps beginning to see a rebound playing out in your neighborhood?

We’d love to hear from you! Another thing Upstream does is share and amplify stories from around Minnesota. Upstream Minnesota has continued our work each day throughout this difficult time. We will continue to show up regardless of what happens. Let’s hope we are moving towards a rebound now.

What’s Your Upstream Story?

We share stories of stewardship written by and about Minnesotans like you! Share your story here.