Through laughter, unexpected life advice, pep talks, and gorgeous scenery, the 2024 + MPU Fellowship came together in ways that uplifted the spirits of those who’ve already dedicated their lives and careers to the path of service.
From June 20 to 24, 15 Fellows from all sectors of life and the country gathered at the University of Montana for an informative and transformative weekend. Led by our +MPU Leadership Team, we featured world-class leadership training and partnered with experts from Applied Leadership Partners, the Co-Lab for Civic Imagination, and the Civic Health Project.
This annual Fellowship is designed to empower these outstanding individuals (who had previously gone through a multi-step application process) and equip them with practical tools to return to their home states and establish Brickyard Chapters for their local communities.
These leaders represent communities in Texas, Washington, South Carolina, Nevada, Washington, DC, Pennsylvania, Florida, Vermont, California, and Montana. They include veterans, educators, entrepreneurs, nonprofit and government leaders, creatives, military family members, and people dedicated to serving their communities.
During the Fellowship, our Fellows completed various training courses, including public speaking, community mapping, facilitation, and de-escalation. They attended fireside chats moderated by our +MPU staff members with world-class leaders like General (retired) Stan McChrystal, Former CIA Director John Brennan, and Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) Director Jen Easterly. And they were led by the legendary Delta Force’s Richard Rice (who so generously geared everyone with GORUCK bags) through a riverside hike.
Our fellows were also inspired by the impact of leaders like Whitley Yates, the Director of Diversity and Engagement for the Indiana Republican Party, and Dale King, a veteran, entrepreneur, and nonprofit leader who uses his love of fitness and CrossFit to combat opioid addiction in his community.
By the last day, the newly trained leaders were challenged to create a sustainable impact in their communities by two of our esteemed board members, Rukaiyah Adams and Kristen Hansen. Our newly trained Brickyard graduated in a moving “Pass the Brick” ceremony, which cemented their collective commitment to +MPU’s mission, to each other, and to our nation.
While there were many memorable moments in the fellowship, one that sticks out like a beacon for +MPU’s nonprofit journey was a motivational quote from Dale that he used to launch his own nonprofit. Operating with “no money in the bank and no gas in the tank.” Our goals, mission, and teams will keep persevering no matter what for our collective futures and the common good.