Sharing the transformative power of running is central to the mission of Mile in My Shoes. But as anyone who's ever come out for a run with us knows, running is only part of what we're all about. The other - and arguably, more important - goal of Mile in My Shoes is to cultivate understanding & friendship among people from vastly different walks of life. For example, we have members who served in the Vietnam War, and members who were toddlers when we went to war in Iraq. We have members who were born in Sierra Leone, Central African Republic, Togo, Somalia, Nigeria, Hawaii, members born on Native American reservations, and members born at HCMC. Some of us have prison records, some have master's degrees, some have both. We are white, black & brown. We are straight, gay, and lesbian. We are Christian, we are Muslim, we are atheist. Above all we are runners, we are teammates, we are friends.
Turn on the radio at this very second and you'll undoubtedly hear about our country's divided values based on race, gender, and level of education. Mile in My Shoes believes that the more we separate ourselves from others, the more we lose - collectively & individually. We are committed to the belief that the path to a peaceful & just society is through interconnection of ALL people. This interconnectedness does not always happen naturally - we must be intentional in creating and seeking out spaces to cultivate these relationships. And while politics certainly have a place in our organization - half of our members have no stable, permanent housing, many are under-employed, others are still fighting for basic human rights - the concept that our dignity as human beings is tied up in one another is universal. THIS is what Mile in My Shoes is really about.
As we highlight all the great things that our teams have been up to this past month, remember that underneath the miles run together, the social events & the hugs lies the point of it all - the chance to run a mile in someone else's shoes.
Twin Cities Marathon & 10-mile weekend: Three Alumni Resident Members completed the Twin Cities Marathon on October 9th, including Team Emanuel Alumni Jeff (third marathon), and Team Higher Ground's Dave (second marathon) and Peter (first marathon). Four Resident Members completed the "shortcut to the capitol" 10-miler, including race veterans Manny & Brice and first-timers Ray (first race ever!) & Amakoe. Congrats to all the racers & their Run Mentor pacers, and huge PROPS to the staff members of TC in Motion who personally donated the marathon race entries.
Team Youth Link kicked off Cycle 3 with several new Resident Members and welcomed new Run Mentors as well. The team keeps growing, attendance is at an all-time high, and distances are getting longer as they prepare for their first official 5K race.
Team Higher Ground took their social outing to Bryant Lake Bowl to the next level, dressing up in costume to celebrate Halloween - complete with a bowling hotdog and a custom MiMS sheet cake! This was the first-ever time bowling for several resident members, whose nerves were quickly replaced by the universal euphoria of the pin-fall.
Final Team Race of the 2016 Season: Drumstick Dash 10K/Pi Run Races on Thanksgiving Day
Come & give thanks with us on Thanksgiving Day, when both of our teams race the Drumstick Dash & Pi Run around Lake Harriet. This race also marks our last official day of the 2016 MiMS season. Join us for a group warm-up at 7:30am, we'll meet at the base of the steps to the bandshell. Look for the blue MiMS shirts!
The Drumstick Dash is also an opportunity to show gratitude in a more literal way - by utilizing the race to fundraise or donate. There's a distance (10k, the 3.14-mile "Pi Run", and even a one-miler) for everyone, and donation incentives (must-have MiMS and Drumstick Dash sweatshirts, race entries, and more) for your generosity. Register for the race here, and follow the instructions on how to donate!
Give to the Max Day
Minnesota's biggest day of giving is November 17th. Thinking about making a donation to MiMS this holiday season? Schedule it for Give to the Max Day and your donation will help us earn up to $2K in matching donations! To donate or find out more visit our official Give to the Max Day page.
Support MiMS without running a step
We're always looking for volunteers or interns to help out with behind-the-scenes projects - like Eric Pleiss, who contributed this month's Resident Member profile on Team Higher Ground Team Captain Michael. Email Mishka with ideas or to find out how we could use your help.
Shelter Access 101
The way individuals access shelter has undergone a HUGE change in the last few weeks in Hennepin County. Educate yourself on the changes, for your own knowledge, and to share with those in your life! Our very own supporter and Team Leader Alum Claudia Kittock penned a great primer on the new system: http://millcitytimes.com/news/adult-shelter-connect-a-one-stop-shop-for-people-in-need-of.html
While we know there will be changes, we don't yet know how they will affect the current members of our Higher Ground Team, or what it means for future recruiting. We will however do our best to keep each other informed as things progress!
Thanks for another great month of changing lives & changing perceptions.
